Nearly a decade since the passing of Fidel Castro, Cuba's current leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has once more summoned the memory of the dictator amid the nation's steepest decline in decades.
In a post shared on X, Díaz-Canel expressed that the deceased leader continues to speak to the nation through his "legacy" and "immortality."
"For those who doubt, let them read, watch, and listen to how much the Commander-in-Chief of the #CubanRevolution continues to speak to us from the immortality of his ideas and the strength of his legacy, which challenges us every day," the communist leader declared.
An Out-of-Touch Message Amidst Cuba's Struggles
Díaz-Canel's statements come at a particularly dire time for Cuban citizens, who are grappling with the most severe economic crisis in 30 years. The country faces food and medicine shortages, daily and prolonged power outages, a healthcare system on the brink, rising illnesses, deteriorating infrastructure, and an unprecedented wave of migration.
As the crisis reaches unprecedented levels, the leader once again turns to Fidel Castro's image as an ideological beacon, despite the fact that his political legacy is widely blamed, both inside and outside the island, for the structural crisis Cuba is enduring.
The Symbol of Fidel Amid Crisis
For many analysts and citizens, the government's persistent reliance on Castro's persona—nine years after his passing—highlights a lack of original leadership and an inability to provide tangible solutions to the national emergency.
The country is currently ensnared in economic stagnation, social unrest, thousands of political prisoners, and repression following the July 11 protests, all under an administration that clings to the past to justify its continued rule.
Everyday Life for Cubans Under Strain
Ordinary Cubans face a harsh reality with wages that barely stretch for a week, barren markets, declining healthcare facilities, power outages lasting over 10 hours in some areas, collapsed transportation, and a disturbing rise in poverty.
In such a context, Díaz-Canel's remarks have drawn criticism from citizens and the exile community, who argue that the leader exists in an "ideological bubble" while the nation faces decline.
Common Questions About Cuba's Current Situation
How is the Cuban economy currently performing?
Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis in 30 years, marked by severe shortages in food and medicine, frequent power outages, and a stagnant economy.
What impact do power outages have on daily life in Cuba?
Frequent and prolonged power outages significantly disrupt daily life, affecting everything from household activities to the operation of businesses and healthcare facilities.
Why does the Cuban government continue to reference Fidel Castro?
The Cuban government frequently invokes Fidel Castro as a symbol of ideological guidance, despite criticism that his legacy is a root cause of the current crisis.