The University Venue in Alicante, Spain, recently canceled a scheduled talk with Gabriela Fernández Álvarez, a writer and presenter for the pro-government show "Con Filo." The decision came after a strong protest from the Association of Cubans United for Freedom, a group of Cuban residents in the city, as reported by independent outlet Alas Tensas.
Arturo de Armas Lago, a member of the association, explained, "The decisive cancellation followed our warning to university officials about the event's true nature. In a letter, we highlighted the infiltration of ‘dictatorial tentacles’ posing as academic or cultural activities aiming to promote the narrative of the criminal Communist Party of Cuba."
An email from the university confirmed the cancellation: “The activity referred to has been suspended and will not take place,” the message stated.
Public Outcry Against Communist Propaganda
The civil society demand was bolstered by Mario Ortolá Martinez, deputy spokesperson for the VOX Group in Alicante's City Council, who expressed in a video, "We will not allow any public resources to be used to spread a genocidal regime like the Cuban one or an ideology as murderous as Communism."
Fernández’s Propaganda Tour Across Spain
Gabriela Fernández Álvarez, a prominent figure in the Cuban regime's propaganda machine, embarked on a tour across 15 Spanish cities from May 5 to 21, under the theme “Cuban Youth in the Time of Trump.” Her appearances have faced disruptions, particularly from Cuban exile groups, although she was able to present in places like Barcelona.
The young presenter of "Con Filo," a Cuban Television program aligned with the regime's ideological interests, aimed to tour Spain discussing the alleged consequences of the U.S.-imposed "economic war" and the impact of media campaigns that she claims aim to discredit the Cuban socialist system.
Confrontation in Madrid
In Madrid, Fernández Álvarez was involved in a provocative incident when she responded with kisses and mockery to a peaceful protest by Cuban exiles against her. This occurred outside the Asociación de Amistad Hispano-Cubana “Bartolomé de las Casas,” where she was giving her talk. The event was guarded by Spanish police and communist sympathizers, despite the protest being entirely peaceful.
A live video on Facebook by Avana de la Torre captured Fernández Álvarez approaching the protesters, blowing kisses, and making sarcastic gestures as they chanted "Down with the dictatorship!" and other slogans against the Havana regime.
Activist Magdiel Jorge Castro posted on X, saying the presenter was caught "mocking free Cubans" who confronted her with demands for justice and freedom for the island. He highlighted her tour across 15 Spanish cities as an example of using European platforms to spread the official narrative.
Questions About Cuban Exile Influence on International Events
Why did the University of Alicante cancel Gabriela Fernández Álvarez's talk?
The talk was canceled due to pressure from the Association of Cubans United for Freedom, who warned the university about the event's potential to promote the Cuban Communist Party's narrative.
What was the purpose of Gabriela Fernández Álvarez's tour in Spain?
Her tour aimed to discuss the impacts of the U.S. "economic war" on Cuba and to counteract media campaigns that allegedly seek to discredit the Cuban socialist system.