Cuban intellectual and essayist Alina Bárbara López Hernández delivered a scathing critique of leader Miguel Díaz-Canel following his televised address on Thursday. In his speech, the head of the regime called for further sacrifices from the populace to tackle the ongoing energy and economic crisis plaguing Cuba.
"When a nation and its people reach rock bottom, demanding greater sacrifice becomes immoral; after hitting rock bottom, the only thing left is to be buried, and we will not accept that," López declared on social media. Her message quickly went viral among Cubans.
Known as one of the most perceptive and critical voices within Cuba's independent thought, López expressed disappointment in the regime's exhausted capacity to offer solutions, continuing instead to rely on citizen sacrifice as the sole remedy.
"There are no longer any soothing promises of endless patience," cautioned the Doctor of Sciences. In her remarks, López also directly addressed Díaz-Canel, describing him as a "nervous and dyslexic messenger," alluding to his recent public appearance where he discussed the fuel shortage, the "energy blockade," and the need to "resist" for over an hour.
For López, the appearance underscored the political exhaustion of the regime: "The historical time of their political class has ended. If anyone had doubts, this intervention made it very clear. Now begins our time, the time of the citizenry," she wrote.
López's message highlights the growing dissatisfaction among civil society regarding the government's lack of responses. Her comments add to the numerous reactions sparked by Díaz-Canel's speech, which was perceived as an effort to justify the current crisis without accepting responsibility.
The professor, who has faced surveillance and harassment from State Security for her intellectual activism and defense of citizens' rights, has in recent years denounced censorship, repression of critical thought, and the absence of genuine political dialogue in Cuba.
With her message, López encapsulates the sentiment of a significant portion of the Cuban populace: fatigue with the official narrative, loss of faith in the regime's promises, and a desire to build a new era from within civil society.
Alina López's Critique of Díaz-Canel's Leadership
Why did Alina López criticize Miguel Díaz-Canel?
Alina López criticized Díaz-Canel for asking the Cuban population to make further sacrifices despite the country's dire situation, which she deemed immoral. She highlighted the regime's failure to provide adequate solutions and its reliance on citizen sacrifice.
What was the public's reaction to López's statement?
López's statement resonated with many Cubans, quickly spreading on social media and reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among the public with the government's lack of accountability and effective action.
How has Alina López been affected by her activism?
Alina López has faced surveillance and harassment from State Security due to her intellectual activism and advocacy for citizen rights, highlighting the risks faced by those who challenge the regime.