Controversy continues to escalate over Ricardo Rodríguez González, the national president of the Federation of University Students (FEU), who has sparked widespread public outrage on social media. His endorsement of ETECSA's pricing policies, following Miguel Díaz-Canel's address, has left thousands of Cubans reacting with anger, ridicule, and disbelief. Accusations of being a "traitor," "submissive," and a "puppet of power" have been rampant.
Rodríguez's sycophantic praise of the presidential speech—"it was clear, it was explained"—ignited the backlash. While Díaz-Canel justified the hike in telecommunications prices on his podcast "From the Presidency," Rodríguez echoed these sentiments on his social media, as if speaking for the student body. Yet, the students were quick to refute him with a powerful response.
An Overwhelming and Spontaneous Rejection
On CiberCuba's Facebook page, where his statements were shared, the backlash was monumental. In less than a day, over 4,000 reactions and more than 1,500 comments poured in, harshly expressing the collective sentiment: Rodríguez González no longer represents young Cubans.
"He should be removed; his role is to defend students' interests, and if he doesn't do that, he should be out," one user commented. Another bluntly stated, "A bootlicker like many, but the youth are waking up." The derogatory terms were consistent: "traitor," "toady," "informant," "lackey," "bootlicker."
The symbolism of the complaint was enhanced by the T-shirt Rodríguez wore, bearing Lenin's portrait, and his visible tattoo of the communist hammer and sickle. "That says it all," was the most quoted phrase, underscoring that visually, Rodríguez González represents the totalitarian regime more than a critical and tired youth.
The Betrayal of Representation
The most common criticism is that Rodríguez González has failed in his duty as a student leader. "Your duty is to support protesting students, not defend the indefensible," one internet user retorted. Many lamented that iconic figures like Mella and José Antonio would be turning in their graves, recalling the FEU's combative origins in Cuban history.
Others were more sarcastic: "We'll see him crossing the border in a few years, like so many regime spokespeople who end up in exile." Comparisons to disgraced political figures like Roberto Robaina, Carlos Lage, or Felipe Pérez Roque were frequent. The public recognizes the pattern: those who applaud today may be discarded tomorrow when they no longer serve power's interests.
A President No One Chose
Numerous comments questioned the legitimacy of Rodríguez González's appointment. "Who elected him?" was a recurring question among internet users. For many, his role is further evidence of the lack of autonomy in Cuban organizations. "He doesn't represent the FEU; he represents the PCC," they asserted.
Calls for his immediate removal by university federations were frequent. "Students themselves should demand his resignation. If he doesn't represent them, he can't continue," an architect commented in one of the most liked posts.
More Than Just a Rate Hike
While ETECSA’s rate increase—deemed a "robbery" by many—was the spark, the true issue behind this digital uproar is a lack of representation and disconnect between official leaders and the populace.
"This young man doesn't suffer like we do," a user from Camagüey noted, revealing that Rodríguez González supposedly hails from an abandoned sugar town, left behind by the so-called "revolution," or in other words, the dictatorship he now defends.
Mentions of the privileges Rodríguez González enjoys—like possible free recharges, unrestricted access, travels, and perks due to his position—were common. "It's easy to speak from the top," critics pointed out.
From Mockery to Moral Outrage
Beyond insults, many users offered reflections of a high moral caliber. "Dignity isn't for sale. The FEU president should be the first to defend students, not echo the power's rhetoric," one user stated.
Regarding the Lenin T-shirt, others pondered, "Does this young man know how many deaths the man on his chest caused?" Some directly questioned his conscience: "If you're not with your peers, who are you with?" The accusation of "submission" has transcended politics, becoming an ethical and generational judgment.
The defense of Díaz-Canel's words by Rodríguez González has failed to calm the tension, instead deepening the rift between official institutions and the country's youth. Instead of representing them, he has highlighted his disconnect from real national issues: economic crisis, repression, and forced emigration.
What started as an institutional comment turned into a national scandal. The FEU, rather than strengthening as a space for student dialogue and action, remains in doubt. And its president, instead of being the voice of the students, has become the symbol of everything they reject.
"He doesn't represent us," was the most shared cry. Within that phrase lies the core of a much deeper crisis: the Cuban political system's inability to foster legitimate and respected leadership, even among its own ranks.
Understanding the Cuban Student Protest
Why are Cuban students protesting against the FEU president?
Cuban students are protesting because they feel that the FEU president, Ricardo Rodríguez González, does not represent their interests. His support for the government's telecommunications price hikes and perceived alignment with the ruling party have sparked outrage among the student body.
What triggered the backlash against Ricardo Rodríguez González?
The backlash was triggered by Rodríguez's public endorsement of ETECSA's pricing policies and his praise for President Miguel Díaz-Canel's speech, which justified the increased telecommunications charges. Students view his actions as a betrayal of their interests.
How has the public reacted to Rodríguez González's leadership?
The public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with thousands of comments and reactions on social media denouncing Rodríguez González as a traitor and accusing him of not representing the true interests of Cuban students.