Gabriela Fernández, the host of the pro-government show Con Filo, made her comeback on Cuban television this Tuesday following a controversial tour in Spain. During her return to the TV program, she humorously commented on the so-called "mission" she had in Europe, saying, "I must confess, quite regretfully, that my mission to establish communism in Europe... was unsuccessful," using a sarcastic tone as she resumed her role as a spokesperson for the Cuban regime.
Fernández's itinerary included visits to at least 15 Spanish cities on a tour orchestrated by pro-Castro institutions and far-left political groups with communist ideologies. Throughout her journey across the Iberian Peninsula, her presence and propaganda were met with peaceful protests by Cuban exiles who rejected her message.
The demonstrations were openly conducted, safeguarded by the legal protections and freedoms of expression and assembly that are upheld in democratic Spain. While in Spain, Fernández had the opportunity to speak freely at universities and cultural centers and even issued public challenges to her critics. "Prove that we have lied," she demanded in Alicante. However, Cuban exiles were consistently denied entry to her talks, and in some instances, they faced violence from the event organizers.
In Madrid, she engaged in provocative gestures towards the protestors, including an ironic kiss aimed at the exiles who opposed her appearance. Nonetheless, Fernández's return to Cuba highlights a stark contrast with the reality faced by citizens on the island.
In Cuba, fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and dissent against official narratives are severely restricted. Those who attempt to exercise these rights often face repression, surveillance, imprisonment, and smear campaigns promoted by state-run media like Con Filo.
While Fernández mocks European democracy and criticizes the "systems they wish to preserve," she conveniently overlooks that it was precisely that system that allowed her to speak without fear of repercussions. Meanwhile, in Cuba, public demonstrations are not possible without legal or physical consequences, as documented numerous times by international human rights organizations.
The host, who was protected by the law in Spain, now returns to a country where other journalists and activists are jailed for posting on social media or peacefully protesting. Her reappearance on Cuban state television symbolizes not only a physical return but also a resumption of the propagandistic monologue where only one narrative—the narrative of power—prevails.
Questions About Gabriela Fernández's European Tour and Return to Cuba
What was the purpose of Gabriela Fernández's tour in Spain?
Gabriela Fernández's tour in Spain was organized by pro-Castro institutions and far-left political groups with communist ideologies. It aimed to promote her message and the Cuban regime's propaganda.
How did Cuban exiles in Spain respond to Gabriela Fernández's presence?
Cuban exiles in Spain organized peaceful protests against Gabriela Fernández's presence and her propagandistic message, exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly in a democratic state.
What challenges did Gabriela Fernández face during her talks in Spain?
During her talks in Spain, Gabriela Fernández faced challenges from Cuban exiles who attempted to attend her events but were denied entry and, in some cases, faced violence from event organizers.
How does Gabriela Fernández's return to Cuba contrast with her experience in Spain?
Gabriela Fernández's return to Cuba contrasts with her experience in Spain as she returns to a country where fundamental freedoms are restricted, and public protests can lead to legal or physical repercussions.