Celebrated comedian Ulises Toirac has returned to social media with a scathing critique of Cuba’s leadership. He questions the disconnect between those in power and the country’s realities, accusing them of systematically manipulating the official narrative. "One of the dangers of living in a bubble... is having no clue what's really happening. And acting accordingly," Toirac wrote in a Facebook post that quickly went viral.
With his signature sarcastic and biting style, Toirac condemned the theatrical nature of political life in Cuba, the authoritarianism of its leaders, the submissiveness of their aides, and the constant distortion of reality. He paints a picture of a country where the image projected in official speeches bears no resemblance to the actual living conditions of the people, who are asked to make sacrifices while being deprived of truth, genuine participation, and dignity.
Just prior, the actor made a pointed remark about the social unrest sparked by ETECSA’s recent "rate hike." In a brief but incisive reflection on his Facebook profile, he mocked the collective reaction to the new connectivity rates imposed by the state-run telecommunications company, contrasting it with the silence over other fundamental shortages like food and medicine.
"The issue that exploded with what’s been dubbed the 'ETECSA rate hike' has been a public opinion catalyst for several reasons," Toirac wrote. "They range from the State institutions' power—ETESCA is not a company, it's the State selling connectivity and communication—to violate laws with absolute impunity (let the lawyers speak), to the defenselessness of the citizen who neither participates in nor is informed about, nor benefits from any plan, strategy, or decision regarding THEIR economy and THEIR country," he emphasized.
However, it was his final sentence that sparked the most reaction: "It's a shame that the donkey kicks for the megabytes but didn't do so for the children's and the elderly's food and medicine."
These posts come shortly after Toirac himself announced his withdrawal from political commentary on social media, in a message filled with frustration and resignation. "This can't be fixed, my friend... and I'm stepping away from the mechanics of the workshop!" he declared some weeks ago, acknowledging that his efforts to raise awareness had been futile in the face of fear, social inertia, and institutional censorship.
According to the comedian, the complicit silence and forced participation in public events, such as the May Day parade, only reinforce the official narrative, even though many participate out of fear or necessity. "The discontent is evident, but the mask shown in public perpetuates the fiction of a happy people," he remarked.
For months, Toirac has faced undeclared censorship from Cuban cultural institutions, which he claims pressure producers and organizers not to hire him as a reprisal for his critical opinions. "They won't let me work precisely because of that," he stated. "For speaking my mind, for being honest."
Ulises Toirac's Critique and Its Impact
What was Ulises Toirac's main criticism of the Cuban leadership?
Ulises Toirac criticized the Cuban leadership for being disconnected from the realities of the country, manipulating official narratives, and maintaining an authoritarian regime that distorts the truth.
How did Toirac react to the ETECSA rate hike?
Toirac mocked the public's reaction to the ETECSA rate hike, contrasting it with their silence on essential shortages like food and medicine, highlighting the power imbalance and citizen defenselessness.
Why did Ulises Toirac decide to stop commenting on politics?
Toirac decided to step back from political commentary out of frustration and a sense of futility, as his efforts to raise awareness were met with fear, social inertia, and institutional censorship.