Social media erupted on Tuesday following statements by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who claimed that Cuba is not a failed state amid a humanitarian crisis and fears of the impending arrival of Hurricane Melissa in the eastern part of the island.
"What failed state could organize and do everything we're doing in such a difficult time?" Díaz-Canel asserted, as quoted in a thread posted by the Cuban Presidency on social media platform X, attempting to defend his administration against what he labeled as "discredit campaigns" on social networks.
However, the backlash was swift and fierce. Within hours, hundreds of users bombarded the leader with comments filled with indignation, irony, and pent-up anger over the economic decline and official inaction in response to the emergency.
Expressions of Discontent and Despair
The phrase "Cuba is not a failed state, it's a dead country" quickly became one of the most discussed topics of the day, echoing across social media platforms. Users united in a single message: the reality of Cuba starkly contrasts the official rhetoric.
Highlighted comments included statements like:
"No, it's not a failed state; it's total abandonment, hunger, misery, and terror... a ship adrift, chaos, despair, sadness, without life."
"No, Cuba isn't a failed state; it's a dead country. What nerve!"
"Of course, for them, Cuba isn't a failed state because they live like kings, but the common people suffer everything, and they don't care."
"His brain is as failed as the country. There's no electricity, no water, no transportation, nothing... and no president willing to act for his people."
"Failed state? No, more like a destructive one!"
Hurricane Melissa Intensifies Challenges
Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa continues its path toward eastern Cuba as a Category 5 system on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of 295 kilometers per hour (185 miles) and even more intense gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
Michael Brennan, the director of the NHC, described the phenomenon as "catastrophic" and warned of potential total structural damage along its path, first over southwestern Jamaica and then eastern Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall early Wednesday morning.
"We are facing a very dangerous scenario that will unfold in the coming hours, with total structural damage and gusts that could exceed 200 miles per hour in Jamaica's mountainous regions," Brennan warned in a live update.
As Hurricane Melissa's winds approach Cuba and citizens grapple with shortages, power outages, and state neglect, Díaz-Canel's words have become a symbol of the profound disconnect between the government and the country's harsh reality.
"What failed state would do everything we do?" the leader asked.
The people's response was resounding: "One that died long ago."
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What sparked the recent backlash against Díaz-Canel?
The backlash against Díaz-Canel was triggered by his statement denying that Cuba is a failed state, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis and fears surrounding Hurricane Melissa.
How has Hurricane Melissa affected Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa, approaching as a Category 5 storm, threatens to cause catastrophic damage in eastern Cuba, compounding the existing challenges of power outages and shortages.
What are the main criticisms from Cuban citizens?
Cuban citizens criticize the government for being disconnected from reality, failing to address economic decline, and neglecting the needs of the people amid the crisis.