Cuban comedian and actor Ulises Toirac expressed a sharp critique of the National Assembly of People's Power on Wednesday, condemning the lack of genuine debate, the submissiveness of its members, and the criminalization of dissent within Cuba's political system. Toirac lamented on Facebook that deputies fail to act in the interest of the people they are supposed to represent, instead blindly approving decisions he deems outrageous.
"Every blunder gets the approval and applause of 'our representatives.' The fear of dissenting, opposing, or challenging... is criminalized," he stated on his social media profile. The artist criticized the absence of a truly critical and representative discussion in the Assembly, where "automatism" and a facade of unity stifle any dissenting voices.
"An aberration was presented in an absurd manner, and everything flowed as smoothly as a breeze. No one even stood up in outrage and stormed out," he remarked. Although Toirac did not directly mention which minister he was referring to, it is evident his message was aimed at Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, the former Minister of Labor and Social Security.
He emphasized that even when mistakes are obvious and documented, parliamentary behavior remains complacent, describing it as a "devastatingly total" practice. "The enemy is reality," the comedian wrote, a phrase starkly contrasting the official narrative with the country's complex situation.
His comments contribute to a growing wave of criticism from various sectors of Cuban civil society questioning the effectiveness and legitimacy of the island's political representation system, particularly after Feitó's controversial remarks. Following the former minister's denial of the existence of beggars in Cuba on Monday, and her criminalization of those seeking food or alms, Toirac responded forcefully.
"We may have clothes that aren't rags and hands that aren't beggars', but most of us don't live off our own sweat," he commented on a Facebook post, where he described himself similarly. He added, "I must be one disguised who evades taxes, but I wouldn't make it to the end of the month without help. Very few can in Cuba."
The hashtag #YoSoyMendigo, far from being a self-pitying gesture, was used by the comedian as a collective denunciation.
Key Questions on Cuba's Political System and Dissent
What is Ulises Toirac's main criticism of the National Assembly?
Ulises Toirac criticizes the National Assembly for its lack of genuine debate and for criminalizing dissent, asserting that members do not act in the people's interest and blindly approve questionable decisions.
Who was Toirac's criticism directed at in his recent remarks?
Although not explicitly named, Toirac's criticism seems directed at Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, the former Minister of Labor and Social Security, following her controversial statements about poverty in Cuba.
What does the hashtag #YoSoyMendigo signify?
The hashtag #YoSoyMendigo, used by Toirac, is a form of collective protest highlighting the economic struggles faced by many Cubans, rather than a gesture of self-pity.