The Cuban TikToker Lesyanis Portilla has once again sparked intense discussion on social media with a video addressing those who defend the Havana regime by claiming it provides free education. Filmed in Spain, her message has gone viral due to its compelling delivery and poignant illustration of the human and social costs associated with the Cuban system.
"When someone tells you that the Cuban dictatorship gave you free education, remind them that you paid it back with the loss of freedom, indoctrination, invisible wages, a crumbling home, the farewell to a family member you might never see again, or a friend being imprisoned," Portilla declares in the TikTok video.
Accompanied by the tagline "Hidden Costs of Cuba's Gifts," the clip has been widely shared and discussed. The young woman challenges the notion of free services on the island, asserting that the Cuban people have paid a high price in terms of rights and freedoms for what the regime touts as social achievements.
Thousands of users responded with messages of support and reflection. Some noted that "no one has ever said it so clearly," while others remarked that "education without freedom is indoctrination." There were also numerous calls for Cuba's liberation, along with comparisons to the situation in Venezuela. People from various countries expressed empathy with the Cuban experience, agreeing that Portilla's message resonates with shared realities in societies under authoritarian regimes.
The video was posted on December 17, 2025, on the account @lesyanisportilla and quickly garnered thousands of views within hours, fueled by comments from Cubans both on and off the island sharing similar experiences.
This is not the first time Portilla's messages have made waves. In another video from August 2025, she explained her decision to emigrate, stating, "Cuba was not only a country that took away my food, but also prohibited me from eating things that were offered to thousands of tourists in my own country." At that time, she lamented that "there isn't even the illusion that this dictatorship will fall" and called for unity among Cubans inside and outside the island.
In a January 2025 reflection, Portilla warned of social deterioration in Spain, claiming: "Spain is Cuba, my brother, open your eyes, this is becoming Cuba." Later, in an October video, she sparked further debate by stating that "the country where a freelancer pays even without billing, but politicians get paid even without working," criticizing corruption and inequality.
The new video reaffirms the themes of her previous messages: a blend of venting, denunciation, and reflection on freedom, indoctrination, and the emotional toll of the Cuban regime. Her words have particularly resonated among exiles and young people who, like her, use social media to express the personal consequences of growing up under an authoritarian system.
Insights on the Hidden Costs of Cuba's Education System
What is the main argument Lesyanis Portilla makes about Cuban education?
Lesyanis Portilla argues that the supposed free education in Cuba comes at a high cost in terms of personal freedoms and rights, including indoctrination and lack of liberty.
How have social media users reacted to Portilla's video?
Social media users have responded with supportive and reflective messages, agreeing with Portilla's perspective and highlighting the lack of freedom in education.
What comparisons have been made in response to Portilla's message?
Many have compared the situation in Cuba with that of Venezuela, noting shared challenges under authoritarian regimes and expressing solidarity with the Cuban experience.