Despite the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel's insistence that his wife, Lis Cuesta, is not Cuba's First Lady, she has undeniably become a major figure of ridicule within the regime. Her every social media post serves to reinforce this perception.
Recently, Cuesta sparked a wave of criticism by addressing the topic of children's rights and adolescence in a nation where children increasingly face food shortages, endure power outages, suffer from school dropouts, and are subjected to child labor.
On her X account, Díaz-Canel's wife wrote: “This week, we have been discussing the rights and responsibilities of our children and adolescents; a perspective from Culture and Education. The topic is very challenging and passionate.”
Her message was accompanied by images from an event she attended, titled “A Look from Culture at the Rights and Participation of Children and Adolescents, in Revolution.” In this event, she paraded her extensive array of "noble" titles: event coordinator for the Ministry of Culture, university lecturer, researcher, and diploma holder, as if the public wasn't aware that her position is due to her ties to the dictatorial elite.
The post sparked immediate backlash among Cubans, who accused her of cynicism and a complete disconnect from the harsh realities faced by children on the island, growing amidst scarcity, hunger, and a lack of state protection.
José Cemí (@CemiHolding) remarked: “While you gather, talk, and debate, enjoying electricity, air conditioning, plenty of food, and ready transportation, Cuban children are starving.”
Mi Sos (@MiSos695068) commented: “They need homes and food. Without these, there is no education or culture, as the brain cannot process. This is both a passionate and sad topic.”
Nicanor O'Donnell (@DonelNicanor) reminded: “On a day like today, it's important to remember the rural schools and child labor in #Cuba.”
Michael Cuban Myers (@cuban_myers) was harsher: “Machi, how can you be so cynical? No one has seen you with the cyclone victims. Your focus is on traveling outside Cuba and supporting everyone except Cubans. There is no person more miserable and petty than you.”
María Flores (@fl14946770) expressed her outrage: “You’re cynical. Just today, a one-year-old girl died due to lack of medical care. There will be no place on this globe for you and your filthy husband, Cuba's cuckold.”
Alberto Pablo Enríquez (@CandeAlbert) ironically stated: “Children and adolescents are sick without medicine, enduring 20-hour blackouts, lacking milk and bread, without quality teachers. Yet there’s Lisi discussing their rights. Thanks for nothing, Robolution!”
Valentino Bennington (@valeben1980) exclaimed: “You have to have guts, you wretched woman. Disgust dressed in luxury, adorned with Cartier, but underneath it’s the same old misery and vulgarity.”
Lewandowski (@BVBCuba_96) questioned: “Children and adolescents, do you have the face? At a historical moment when there are more drugs than ever, and children are abandoned, without milk, proteins, toys, or medicine. Shame.”
Ernesto (@ernesto21982) shared his opinion: “All these meetings are pointless. Children die due to lack of medicine, go to school without sleep because of the blackouts, and are malnourished because the dictatorship doesn't provide what they need to live.”
Ariadna (@AryPeaceofmind) reminded her: “You haven’t even peeked into your homeland, swine. So many people dying, and you’re playing elegance. Disgust and lack of aesthetics, with and without Cartier.”
Manolo Burumba (@manolo_burumba) ironically added: “I don’t know where you’re going to hide.”
Public Reaction to Lis Cuesta's Controversial Statements
Why is Lis Cuesta facing criticism in Cuba?
Lis Cuesta is facing criticism for discussing children's rights in Cuba, where children suffer from food shortages, blackouts, and lack of state protection. Her comments are seen as disconnected from the reality faced by many on the island.
What event did Lis Cuesta attend, sparking backlash?
Lis Cuesta attended an event titled “A Look from Culture at the Rights and Participation of Children and Adolescents, in Revolution,” which prompted criticism for its perceived disconnect from the struggles faced by Cuban children.
How have Cubans reacted to Lis Cuesta's statements?
Many Cubans have reacted with outrage, accusing her of cynicism and being out of touch with the harsh realities of life on the island, particularly for children who face numerous challenges.