Lis Cuesta Peraza, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, has once again stirred up social media, polarizing opinions both inside and outside the island. While in Vietnam as part of the official delegation for the country's independence celebrations, the so-called "not first lady" posted on X, "Suffer, ridiculous imperialists! This is the celebration of the VICTORY of red, of the hammer and sickle, of SOCIALISM; the VICTORY of resistance, dignity, and valor!"
In a follow-up message, Cuesta Peraza intensified her anti-imperialist rhetoric, praising both Cuba and Vietnam, and drawing parallels between the cultures and identities of the two nations: "The Vietnamese are like us: resilient, ingenious, brave, and dignified."
Backlash and Debate
Her inflammatory posts, characterized by their aggressive tone and undiplomatic language, sparked a heated debate and drew over 340 responses on X (formerly Twitter), ranging from criticism and ridicule to personal attacks.
Many comments highlighted Cuesta Peraza's perceived lack of sobriety, the stark contrast between her words and the reality on the island, and the irony of traveling on a luxurious leased plane while speaking of socialism.
One user wrote, "You speak of 'victory of socialism' while in Cuba people endure endless lines for bread, carry buckets of water due to unstable services, and survive on remittances. What victory are you boasting about?"
Others were more biting: "God, you talking about ridiculousness, First Push? You're grotesque and frivolous, clearly not in your right mind." Another comment added, "What a vulgar woman. No nation is victorious when living under dictatorship. Cuba and Vietnam are communist dictatorships."
Public Outcry
The comparisons to the everyday struggles of Cubans were abundant. "While you spend millions on the tour, the people don't even have bread and endure up to 20-hour blackouts," criticized one user. "The only ones suffering are the ordinary Cubans, not you who travel like sheikhs with Cartier watches and Dolce & Gabbana glasses," another quipped.
The harshness of many messages revealed the public's frustration with the Ministry of Culture official's style. "Even if you lose 50 kilos, nothing will take away the pig in you," wrote another user. Others called her a "monstrosity," "transvestite," "monkey in silk," and "vulgar prostitute," pointing out her lack of institutional legitimacy.
"What merits do you have to be there? You hold no official position but travel on the people's dime," one user demanded, expressing the majority sentiment among Cubans, who are increasingly repulsed by the nepotism and corruption apparent in the palace couple.
Minority Defense
Amid the torrent of insults and criticism, a lone voice attempted to defend Cuesta. Pedro Jorge Velázquez, a pro-government journalist known on social media as 'El Necio de Cuba,' praised her defiant tone with a brief message: "Haha, the Lis we adore is back. The Yankees looked ridiculous in Vietnam." His support was quickly flagged as sycophantic to the authoritarian regime in a space dominated by skepticism and sarcasm directed at the dictatorship's presidential figures.
Political Implications
This episode unfolds as Cuba faces one of its worst economic and social crises in decades: up to 20-hour blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, rampant inflation, and an unprecedented exodus.
In this context, Cuesta Peraza's words served as a reminder to many of the disconnection between the ruling elite and the daily lives of Cubans.
A tweet bluntly summarized, "Your comment shows you're vulgar and classless. You present yourself as a first lady, but to be one, the people would have had to elect your husband. And they didn't."
With every post, Cuesta Peraza seems to gain more visibility on social media while also accumulating more disrepute. For her critics, her brazen style is yet another example of impunity and frivolity amid the country's suffering. For her few defenders, it's merely a way to "respond to the imperialists."
Nevertheless, with her "Suffer, ridiculous imperialists!" the "not first lady" once again drew attention to herself, leaving Vietnam as an afterthought. In Cuba, where suffering is genuine and constant, social media responded with a mix of outrage, sarcasm, and disdain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lis Cuesta's Controversial Statements
What sparked the latest controversy involving Lis Cuesta?
Lis Cuesta's controversial social media posts from Vietnam, where she celebrated socialism and mocked imperialists, sparked the latest controversy, leading to widespread criticism and debate.
How did social media react to Lis Cuesta's statements?
Social media reactions included a flurry of over 340 responses, with many criticizing Cuesta's lack of sobriety, the disconnect from Cuba's reality, and the irony of her statements considering the country's struggles.
What criticisms were voiced against Lis Cuesta?
Critics highlighted Cuesta's perceived frivolity, questioned her legitimacy, and pointed out the contradictions between her socialist rhetoric and the Cuban people's hardships.