Renowned Cuban actor Luis Alberto García has fiercely criticized the regime's ongoing political events amidst Cuba's severe health, energy, and economic crises. Through a Facebook post, García expressed his disapproval of rallies and marches that, in his opinion, are out of touch with the nation's harsh realities. "I honestly don't think this national polycrisis is the right backdrop for continuing to organize parades and rallies. The country is falling apart. Are those living in that 'other' dimension unaware? Do they know and still carry on? Are they trying to impress visitors with a facade?" García questioned, lamenting the political exploitation of these mobilizations.
Reflecting on his childhood, García noted that public events were once attended voluntarily, contrasting with the obligatory and repressive nature of today's demonstrations. "I participated in childhood events where attendees were not coerced. All that followed, like 'if you don't jump, you're a Yankee' or 'those who don't participate will face consequences,' is at the very least pathetic," García stated.
He further mocked the real purpose of these convocations and suggested a more empathetic approach: "It would be more patriotic and empathetic to dedicate a rally or march to the sick and deceased from arbovirus outbreaks in the Matanzas provinces. Just a thought." He concluded with a pointed question: "Shouldn't Matanzas and Cárdenas come before Gaza and Caracas?"
New Rally for Venezuela Announced
García's remarks come shortly after the Cuban regime announced a new "Rally in Solidarity with Venezuela," set for Friday, October 17 at 7:30 a.m. in Havana, near the statue of Simón Bolívar. The event aims to denounce U.S. actions against Nicolás Maduro's government. This announcement comes amid an unprecedented health crisis, marked by dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever outbreaks, medical supply shortages, exhausted healthcare workers, and long lines of Cubans at hospitals lacking basic necessities.
"The contrast is stark: political rallies, yes; medicine, no," CiberCuba Noticias criticized, questioning the regime's prioritization of ideological events over public health.
Recent Rally for Palestine
On October 9, the government organized a massive political event supporting Palestine at the Anti-Imperialist Platform in Havana. Despite fuel shortages and public transportation collapse, over 100,000 people were reportedly mobilized. School and work buses ensured attendance while the rest of the country faced transportation paralysis. The event was led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta, and Communist Party leaders. Díaz-Canel defended the mobilization on social media, stating that "standing with the people of Palestine today...upholds the Marti principle that 'Homeland is Humanity.'"
Ideological Priorities Over Economic Needs
Such events align with the regime's political agenda for this year. In December 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero emphasized that 2025 would focus on strengthening political-ideological work, defense, and internal order, even at the expense of economic priorities. "Politics is the foundation upon which all other actions should be built," Marrero declared to the National Assembly, justifying the use of state resources for ideological purposes despite the ongoing crisis.
While Cubans endure blackouts, hunger, disease, inflation, and the collapse of basic services, the government continues to prioritize rallies, marches, and slogans over concrete solutions. In the midst of this official silence, a voice from Cuban art has spoken up: "The country is falling apart."
FAQs on Cuba's Current Political and Economic Situation
What are Luis Alberto García's views on the current political rallies in Cuba?
Luis Alberto García criticized the Cuban regime for holding political rallies amidst a severe national crisis, arguing that these events are out of touch with the country's dire realities and serve more as political tools than solutions.
How is the Cuban government prioritizing its resources during the crisis?
The Cuban government is focusing on political-ideological work and public rallies, often at the expense of addressing urgent economic and health needs, as highlighted by recent events and statements from government officials.