Cuban activist Mireya Jiménez, who resides in Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, recently shared a video on Facebook where she fiercely criticizes Aleida Guevara March, daughter of revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Jiménez's critique comes in response to Aleida's statements opposing self-employment and small businesses in Cuba.
In the two-minute video, Jiménez passionately supports private entrepreneurs, asserting they are the true backbone of the Cuban people. She directly accuses Guevara, saying, "You're a fool, as ruthless as your father, demanding alongside your clique, with your Castros, with your PCC, with your Canel, that private entrepreneurs should not exist."
The Importance of Private Enterprise for Cuban Survival
Jiménez's central argument is clear: without private businesses, the Cuban populace would struggle to access basic necessities.
"We, everyday Cubans, survive thanks to private entrepreneurs, thanks to the small amount of produce they sell us if we can afford it," she states in the video, questioning where in Cuba food can be bought at prices affordable for the common people.
Guevara's Controversial Stance Against Private Sector
The video came in response to resurfaced comments by Aleida Guevara, who labeled self-employment a "cancer within our society." These remarks were originally made in a 2020 interview with the official outlet Cubadebate and reiterated in 2022 on BreakThrough News, gaining renewed attention recently.
In both instances, the pediatrician argued that private enterprise is ideologically unacceptable because "people begin to think only about their own pockets."
This isn't the first instance of Guevara's criticisms of the private sector. In May 2024, she urged the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution to increase surveillance on small enterprises due to "risks they pose to security."
Contradictions and Elite Privilege
Yet, in August 2025, Guevara was spotted shopping in a dollar-based market in Havana, highlighting the double standards of the Castro elite, who preach austerity while enjoying privileges.
Mireya Jiménez isn't alone in her response. Baritone Ulises Aquino Guerra also publicly addressed Guevara, pointing out the contradiction between her rhetoric and the privileges of the nomenclature: "And those who live off the efforts of others, those who enjoy perks and privileges without having fired a shot, what ailment do they suffer from?"
In June, Jiménez used Instagram to clarify her persistent criticisms of the government. Her demands are not for water, food, or medicine but a political call for freedom and an end to communism in Cuba.
"We aren't making videos asking for water, or food, or medicine; we are asking for freedom for Cuba, we are asking for freedom," Jiménez declared.
Insights into Mireya Jiménez's Activism and Aleida Guevara's Views
Why did Mireya Jiménez criticize Aleida Guevara?
Mireya Jiménez criticized Aleida Guevara for her statements against self-employment and small businesses, which Jiménez believes are crucial for the survival of everyday Cubans.
What are Aleida Guevara's views on the private sector?
Aleida Guevara views private enterprise as ideologically unacceptable and has referred to self-employment as a "cancer within our society," arguing that it leads people to focus solely on personal gain.
How have others reacted to Aleida Guevara's stance?
Besides Mireya Jiménez, individuals like Ulises Aquino Guerra have also criticized Aleida Guevara, pointing out the inconsistency between her public statements and the privileges enjoyed by the elite.