An editorial from the official Cuban newspaper, Granma, titled "Every Day of the Revolution is a Victory," has ignited a storm of reactions on social media. Hundreds of Cubans have expressed their fatigue, sarcasm, and frustration with the government's narrative.
The editorial, shared on Granma's Facebook page, echoed the words of Miguel Díaz-Canel during the XI Central Committee Plenary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), where he proclaimed that "every day of the Revolution is a victory." With a tone of triumphalism, the article called for an "economic and ideological battle" towards 2026, the year that marks the centennial of the Commander-in-Chief, and supported the notion of "creative resistance" from the people.
However, the post was met with overwhelming backlash. Countless users questioned the triumphalism, contrasting the official message with the stark realities of the nation, characterized by power outages, inflation, shortages, and deteriorating basic services. "No ideology is worth more than a human being. Governing isn't about demanding eternal resistance; it's about ensuring dignity," one widely shared comment remarked.
Many comments pointed out the disconnect between the official discourse and daily life. "Every day of the Revolution may be a victory for you, as you don't suffer hunger or blackouts; for us, it's another day of crisis, exhaustion, and pain," another user wrote. One succinctly summarized: "If keeping a nation in absolute misery is a victory, then yes, every day the Revolution is indeed a victory."
Public Outcry Over Elite Privileges
Among the most critical messages, several denounced the privileges of the ruling elite in contrast to the poverty experienced by the majority. "You live like the wealthy; the people perish due to selfishness," one user pointed out. Another sarcastically commented: "Every day you remain in power, you should be thankful you're not behind bars."
Some comments offered broader analysis of the Party's management and the unfulfilled promises of recent years. "Since 2011, promises keep getting repeated while outcomes worsen. It's not due to a lack of diagnosis or the people's sacrifices. It's the absence of willingness to change the system," an extensive comment noted, garnering numerous likes. Another added: "The pledges from Party congresses have always been the same: produce more, rectify distortions, refine the model. Yet, the only thing that seems to be refined is scarcity."
Widespread Criticism and Irony
Irony played a significant role as well. "Every day of the Revolution is a victory… but a victory over what exactly, and with what score?" an internet user questioned. Another noted: "If this is a winning streak, the scoreboard hasn't been updated in years."
Others used humor as a form of protest. "Is this Granma or the satirical tabloid Palante?" one commented, while another summed it up: "Psychiatric patients running a country." A third user added: "What are these people smoking? Every day a victory… can they list any?"
Questioning Revolutionary Rhetoric
More reflective messages questioned the gap between revolutionary rhetoric and the values it claims to uphold. "A Revolution that doesn't prioritize life ceases to be a Revolution. What the power sees as triumph, the people see as imposed sacrifice," one comment expressed. Another pointed out: "They talk about unity, but State policies have divided us by classes, currencies, and electrical zones. There can't be unity where there is no equality."
Even a recent phrase by the leader—"Nobody here is going to surrender"—was revisited to emphasize the gap between slogans and reality. "The country is sinking, and you keep talking about resistance," one person wrote. "We're advancing towards the Stone Age," another quipped. "Every year, we sink deeper into misery," added a third.
The reactions turned Granma's post into a collective outlet where citizens expressed their discontent unfiltered. From indignation to sarcasm, the messages shared a common theme: the contrast between a narrative of victories and the daily lives of people worn out by precariousness, blackouts, and a lack of hope.
While official discourse persists in emphasizing resistance and dignity against external foes, the digital conversation reveals a nation weary of slogans and increasingly willing to challenge the regime's narrative. The growing rejection of the official storyline highlights a nation where tales of victory no longer convince a populace beleaguered by crisis.
Understanding the Cuban Regime's Narrative vs Reality
What is the official stance of the Cuban government regarding the Revolution?
The Cuban government maintains that every day of the Revolution represents a victory, emphasizing resilience and ideological battles against external adversaries.
How do ordinary Cubans view the government's narrative of victory?
Many Cubans express dissatisfaction and irony towards the government's narrative, pointing out the disconnect between the regime's triumphalist rhetoric and their daily struggles with shortages and economic hardship.
What criticisms have been made about the ruling elite in Cuba?
Critics highlight the privileges enjoyed by Cuba's ruling elite, contrasting it with the widespread poverty among the general population, and accuse the government of maintaining power at the expense of the people's well-being.