Many readers had to double-check to ensure that the words didn’t come from a fake or parody account, given the crude nature of Lis Cuesta's reflections. As the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, she holds no official government position but frequently accompanies him on presidential tours. Her message on X startled many due to its combative tone and lack of the decorum one might expect from someone associated with a nation's leader.
“Suffer, ridiculous imperialists!” Cuesta exclaimed from Vietnam, where she was accompanying Díaz-Canel during events celebrating the Asian country's independence. She praised the "victory of socialism, dignity, and courage" in the same post, which was illustrated with photographs alongside Vietnamese communist leaders and military figures.
In another tweet, she adopted an almost poetic tone, lauding Vietnam as “a people like ours: resilient, ingenious, brave, and dignified.” This stark contrast was noted by many as indicative of Cuesta's spontaneous and highly personal style on social media.
The "Non-First Lady" and the Trip's Expense
These posts come at a time when Cuba is experiencing one of its worst structural crises in decades, marked by blackouts, shortages, and an increasing migration wave. Despite this, Lis Cuesta appears to be enjoying the official tour, which also includes stops in China and Laos, alongside a delegation led by Díaz-Canel.
The couple travels on a leased airplane from the Spanish airline Plus Ultra, the same Airbus A330-200 previously used by the leader on his trips, with a rental cost of approximately $11,000 per flight hour. Reports from independent media indicate that the flight to Hanoi lasted over 11 hours.
Even though she holds no institutional role, Cuesta accompanies her husband on all his international tours, participating in official events, meetings, and cultural activities. In Vietnam, she was photographed attending water puppet shows and visiting Ngọc Sơn Temple with the wife of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
“Cuba and Vietnam, two heartbeats of a single heart,” she wrote in another post. However, for those enduring the crisis on the island, such words seem increasingly disconnected from their everyday reality.
Exploring the Reactions to Lis Cuesta's Statements
What was controversial about Lis Cuesta's message from Vietnam?
Her message was controversial due to its aggressive tone and lack of diplomatic decorum, surprising many who did not expect such language from someone closely associated with Cuba's leadership.
How did Lis Cuesta describe Vietnam in her tweets?
Lis Cuesta described Vietnam as a people similar to Cubans, highlighting their resilience, ingenuity, bravery, and dignity in a poetic tone.
Why is Lis Cuesta's presence on international tours notable?
Despite holding no official government position, Lis Cuesta frequently accompanies her husband, Miguel Díaz-Canel, on international tours, participating in various official and cultural events.