A recent report from Cubanet Noticias delved into the streets of Cuba to ask citizens about the potential impact if Miguel Díaz-Canel were "taken away." The responses, tinged with sarcasm, frustration, and fatigue, mirrored the sentiments of a population caught between hopelessness and a yearning for change.
One interviewee gained viral attention for his candidness. "Man, that would bring me such joy, the greatest in the world," he exclaimed. He broadened his criticism beyond the leader, saying, "I'd be happy... not just Díaz-Canel, you know who else? That Marrero guy, the main one. That guy is a son of a..., a shameless scoundrel, with his full belly while the people are starving. And Díaz-Canel too, with his wife, that poorly dressed one... they should all be taken away, so we can finally be happy, man."
The man highlighted issues of hunger, poverty, and pent-up frustration: "I'm 59 years old and haven't seen a thing. Kids are malnourished, there's hunger in Cuba, man. The elderly don't even have a glass of milk. Back when Fidel was around, there wasn't this, man, there's nothing here. Everyone's malnourished."
Other respondents reacted with caution or resignation. One woman declared, "I'd be the first to hit the streets," while another man expressed hope that "nothing happens to the people" and that "whatever comes, it has to lead to some improvement." However, most answered with phrases like "I don't know," "I don't want to comment," or "I know nothing about that," showcasing the persistent fear of speaking publicly about politics on the island.
The video has amassed thousands of comments on social media, where the initial interviewee was lauded for his bravery. Many users agreed that he "spoke the truth without fear," "spoke from the heart," and represents "the voice of the everyday Cuban." Others noted the evident fear among the populace and remarked that "change depends on everyone losing the fear to speak out." Messages of support were plentiful, dubbing the man "a brave soul" and "the true Cuban who dared to say what many keep silent."
These reactions come amidst an increasingly tense political climate. Recently, Miguel Díaz-Canel sparked a wave of criticism on social media by declaring that "Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation" and that the country is ready to defend the homeland "to the last drop of blood," a statement that elicited hundreds of sarcastic responses and comments like "your time is running out" or "you can feel, read, and smell the fear," as social media reactions showed.
Meanwhile, opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer urged the regime to "act swiftly," release political prisoners, and allow the people to "take control of their destiny," warning that "an enslaved people wants someone to save them, and if it's the United States who does it, the vast majority of Cubans will be grateful," according to his recent statements.
The Cubanet report and the mass response it triggered reveal a growing sentiment among Cubans: a blend of fear and a desire for freedom, along with the belief that something has to change. "Let them take them away, so we can be happy," one interviewee said. His statement encapsulates, without slogans or speeches, the exhaustion of a generation that feels it has lost everything except hope.
Understanding Cuba's Current Political Climate
Why are Cubans frustrated with Díaz-Canel's leadership?
Cubans are frustrated with Díaz-Canel's leadership due to persistent issues such as hunger, poverty, and lack of basic necessities, which many attribute to the government's policies and mismanagement.
What are Cubans hoping for if Díaz-Canel were to be removed?
Many Cubans hope that removing Díaz-Canel could lead to significant political changes and improvements in their living conditions, reflecting a desire for freedom and better governance.
How has Díaz-Canel responded to criticism?
Díaz-Canel has responded to criticism by asserting Cuba's sovereignty and readiness to defend the nation, which has been met with skepticism and irony from many citizens and observers.