The recent social media post by Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, vice president of the Cuban Journalists' Union (UPEC), has sparked widespread outrage. His return from a trip to Venezuela comes at a time when Cuba is experiencing its most severe crisis in recent history.
"Back in Cuba, here are the two main takeaways from my visit to Venezuela," Rodríguez Cruz wrote on Facebook.
In his post, Rodríguez Cruz listed his conclusions: that Nicolás Maduro is "winning the fight against Trump and the counter-revolution," and that he himself still "can't dance or keep the rhythm."
The post was accompanied by a video showing him smiling, waving a Cuban flag, and dancing in a lively setting, far removed from the daily struggles faced by millions of Cubans.
Instead of amusement, the post was perceived by many as an open mockery of an impoverished populace. The comments quickly flooded in, becoming a torrent of criticism not only directed at Rodríguez Cruz but also at the official press he represents, seen as out of touch with the country's social reality.
Public Outcry and Accusations of Disconnection
A user from Baracoa questioned the waste of public resources on "partying events," while repeating the same narrative for 60 years. "Defending a narco-dictatorship while riding on oil money," she remarked.
Other comments were even more pointed: "With what money did you take a trip to Venezuela? Why didn't Maduro fight for his oil ship if he's winning the battle? He knows where danger lies," a woman asserted.
The reaction was similar both inside and outside the island.
"Enjoy your last moments, because after Maduro, you're next, so you might end up dancing in jail," a Cuban living in Miami warned.
A doctor labeled the journalist a "clown" and "disgusting," while another questioned the claim that Maduro is "winning against Trump," reminding of a recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker.
Funding Sources Under Scrutiny
Questions arose about the source of the funds for these trips. "How nice to travel on the people's money," a user wrote—a sentiment echoed throughout the comments.
For many, the video was not just a frivolous anecdote but evidence of a group of officials and spokespeople enjoying privileges while demanding sacrifices from the population.
Independent journalist José Raúl Gallego captured the sentiment of many, highlighting the contrast between a country where "Cubans don't even have aspirin" and officials who travel and celebrate using public funds.
"Another one living the good life and taking paid trips at the expense of the people's misery," expressed a Havana resident.
Moral Decay and Public Discontent
Other users spoke of "parasites" and a moral decay reflected in the scene of dancing, music, and festivity.
Many emphasized the stark contrast between the internal situation and the political message Rodríguez Cruz aims to convey.
"How do they travel instead of investing that money in the poor Cuban people who are dying not only from chikungunya but from hunger and everything else," a professor wrote.
"And who paid for that trip? Ah, yes, I know, the people who are dying of hunger, misery, and need; that's how anyone defends this m...," criticized a user identified as Dios Salve a Cuba.
The complete disconnection between the image projected by a senior representative of the official press and the reality faced by most Cubans fueled the outrage.
For many commentators, the dancing and laughter were not just innocent gestures but a provocation: the graphic representation of a power structure celebrating political alliances and foreign trips while the country sinks into scarcity and despair.
The wave of criticism made it clear that this time, the mockery did not go unnoticed.
Instead of applause, the festive return from Venezuela turned into a public trial on social media, where hundreds of Cubans expressed their frustration with an elite living detached from the people's daily suffering.
Public Reaction to Official Disconnect
What was the public's reaction to Francisco Rodríguez Cruz's post?
The public reacted with outrage, seeing the post as a mockery of an impoverished population. Comments criticized both Rodríguez Cruz and the official press he represents, describing them as disconnected from the country's reality.
Why did the video of Rodríguez Cruz dancing cause controversy?
The video was seen as evidence of an elite enjoying privileges while ordinary Cubans face hardship. Many viewed it as a provocation and a symbol of the disconnect between the government's image and the country's struggles.