Arleen Rodríguez Defends Díaz-Canel's Speech: Her Justifications Explored

Arleen Rodríguez Derivet, a journalist known for her unwavering loyalty to the Cuban regime and her close ties with Miguel Díaz-Canel, has stepped forward to counter the criticisms following the leader's recent address broadcasted on Thursday.

Utilizing her podcast Chapeando's Facebook page, Rodríguez staunchly defended Díaz-Canel's message, labeling him as a "statesman who does not sugarcoat challenges," while launching a fierce attack on independent media outlets critical of the regime.

The journalist clarified, "It was never stated that the Cuban president's conference was live," addressing the concerns raised when viewers noticed her wristwatch showing a time inconsistent with the broadcast on Cuban Television, where she served as the event's moderator.

Rodríguez emphasized that the "official announcement from the Presidency's website, a primary and direct source, clearly indicated it as a 'broadcast,' never mentioning it as live," including a screenshot of the initial information from Cuba’s Presidency.

She accused "media funded and guided by the U.S. in their ongoing psychological warfare against Cuba, and their puppets, of unleashing a storm of publications alleging supposed deception."

A "Statesman" Amidst Challenges

In addition to defending the method of the broadcast, Rodríguez painted an almost idealized picture of Díaz-Canel’s speech, portraying him as a firm and courageous leader facing adversity.

According to her interpretation, the president delivered a hopeful and strategic message, avoiding defeatism or improvisation. This depiction, however, starkly contrasts the widespread perception among citizens and independent analysts, who found the speech lacking in real solutions and marked by a defensive and rehearsed tone.

Rodríguez also criticized those hoping to see a vulnerable leader, stating, "They expected to see a cornered president, without strategy, pessimistic, discouraged, surrendering or begging before the empire. They were in for a harsh surprise."

She argued that the speech revealed a resolute leader aware of the nation's challenges. "They found a statesman who bluntly acknowledges the complexity of the situation external forces impose on his people," she noted.

Reaffirming Leadership Amidst Criticism

Rodríguez commended Díaz-Canel’s direct approach, stating, "He outlines paths to address challenges, clearly telling the people: it won’t be easy or immediate, but there is a way out, and surrender will never be an option."

While Rodríguez praised a leadership that "does not falter" and "charts paths," many perceived a president disconnected from the country’s reality, resorting to clichés and empty phrases that fail to alleviate or explain Cuba’s severe crisis.

In concluding her defense, Rodríguez intensified her confrontational tone: "Their impotence corrodes them, and they can only respond as they know: with lies and manipulation as a smokescreen for the most toxic and noxious of fumes."

Rodríguez's words are unsurprising. Her public allegiance to Díaz-Canel is well-known, and her platform on Chapeando has long served as a staunch defender of government rhetoric. Yet, her recent intervention not only reflects support but also highlights the regime's propaganda apparatus's nervousness in the face of growing public discontent and the lack of credibility in their official messages.

The controversy surrounding Díaz-Canel's conference has been fueled not just by its pre-recorded nature but also by the absence of concrete responses to the pressing issues faced by citizens. In this context, Rodríguez Derivet's intervention attempts to reaffirm the president's image as a strong leader, despite public perception pointing in a completely opposite direction.