Michel Torres Corona, known for his role in the propaganda platform Con Filo, has acknowledged that the Cuban Revolution is currently "stuck in a rut." He expressed his frustration over the prevailing double standards and the frequent power outages affecting Havana.
In a Facebook post, Torres voiced his annoyance that this "beautiful and sublime historical process we call the Revolution is stuck and seems unable to escape the quagmire of frustration and neglect." He also criticized the "new rich" who seem to be "increasing their wealth, driving new cars, and living in well-lit homes amidst pervasive darkness."
Furthermore, Torres targeted what he described as "chic pseudo-revolutionaries" and condemned the government's failure to address the worsening living conditions. "I am frustrated with the blackouts and the refusal to see the link between Cuba's economic liberalization and the state's inability to reverse the rapid deterioration of people's material conditions," he wrote.
He also criticized those "who demand sacrifice without enduring any themselves, who invoke our historical examples but fail to be examples in the present." Torres added, "I am bothered by those who live in a parallel universe, ignoring the poverty, sadness, and defeat that exist."
The presenter's comments come at a time of growing discontent in Havana, where consecutive days of power outages and water shortages have led to protests by dozens of Cubans. Previously, complaints about power cuts were mainly confined to the provinces, but now the unrest is becoming visible in the capital.
Although Torres uses his TV platform to discredit independent media, critical voices, and content creators with his usual official sarcasm, he claims he does not profit from the people's suffering and remains committed to defending the revolutionary project. However, his admission of the Revolution's stagnation and his direct complaint about the outages signify a break from the official discourse, at least on a personal level.
This statement aligns with another regime spokesperson, singer Israel Rojas, who also admitted on social media that "what we are experiencing is of unspeakable severity" and that "everyone has the right, the duty, and almost the obligation to express their pain as they feel it."
Similarly, Carlos and Ele Alfonso, iconic figures of Cuban music and representatives of Nueva Trova and Grupo Síntesis, voiced their frustration on social media following a day marked by constant power interruptions. Just days earlier, they had questioned, "What kind of life does a completely dark city propose?... It steals your will!"
Recently, Torres lamented on social media that Con Filo is being produced "with fewer resources," prompting a wave of criticism from users who questioned the use of public funds on a production many consider "unnecessary," "biased," "propagandistic," "manipulative," and disconnected from the reality of the Cuban people.
Understanding Michel Torres' Critique of the Cuban Revolution
What are Michel Torres' main criticisms of the Cuban Revolution?
Michel Torres criticizes the Cuban Revolution for being stagnant, plagued by double standards, and failing to address the deteriorating living conditions of the people. He highlights issues like the rise of a wealthy elite and frequent power outages.
How has the public in Havana reacted to the current situation?
The public in Havana has shown growing discontent, with protests erupting due to consecutive days of power outages and water shortages. This marks a shift as such complaints were previously more common in the provinces.
What did other prominent Cuban figures say about the crisis?
Other figures like singer Israel Rojas and musicians Carlos and Ele Alfonso have also expressed their frustration on social media, acknowledging the severity of the crisis and advocating for the public's right to voice their grievances.