Lis Cuesta Peraza, the spouse of Cuba's leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, has once again captured media attention during the third stop of the president's Asian tour, this time in Laos. The so-called "unofficial first lady" shared on her X account that she was "profoundly moved" by the country's respect for religiosity and cultural traditions, a sentiment she linked to the Virgin of Regla, the patron saint of Havana Bay.
Her solemn post starkly contrasts with the grim reality she left behind on the island. Cuba is experiencing one of its most severe crises in decades, marked by power outages exceeding 20 hours, hospitals lacking supplies, critical shortages of water, food, and medicine, and an unprecedented wave of emigration.
In this context, Cuesta's presence on every official trip has become a symbol of unjustifiable spending from an already depleted national treasury. Unlike other first ladies worldwide, Cuesta Peraza holds no official position nor constitutional duties. Nevertheless, she appears on almost every presidential tour, partakes in ceremonial and cultural events, and travels with a contingent for transportation, security, and accommodation, the costs of which the government has never disclosed.
The entourage, which travels via a plane leased from Plus Ultra airline at an estimated cost of over $11,000 per hour, unfailingly includes Cuesta Peraza. Each of her trips not only requires an additional seat on the aircraft but also incurs expenses for meals, luxury hotel stays, image-related costs, and logistical support, all funded by public money.
Meanwhile, ordinary Cubans are left with calls to "endure and sacrifice," uttered by the same elite that strolls among Buddhist temples, diplomatic receptions, and international fashion showcases. The spiritual awakening Cuesta Peraza claimed to experience in Laos starkly contrasts with the earthly indignation of millions of Cubans who witness, time and again, their resources squandered on meaningless trips for a figure who was never elected, who does not represent the nation, and who merely embodies the privilege of being part of the inner circle of power.
Understanding the Impact of Lis Cuesta's Travels on Cuban Society
Why is Lis Cuesta's presence on official trips controversial?
Lis Cuesta's presence is controversial because she holds no official position, yet she participates in costly official trips funded by public resources, while Cuba faces severe economic hardships.
How does Cuba's current crisis highlight the issue with Cuesta's travels?
Cuba's crisis, marked by shortages and outages, underscores the issue as resources are diverted to support Cuesta's travels, which many see as unnecessary and extravagant.