Lis Cuesta, the spouse of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, took to her social media this Monday to post a brief message alongside a video from the Martiano Youth Movement.
Her message was succinct, containing only the phrase: “Long Live Free Cuba!” She offered no further comments, analysis, or personal insights about the video, which asserts that José Martí advocated for the right to think, yet distinguishes this from the “freedom of thought.”
The video's creator hooks the audience with a Martian phrase and abruptly shifts the topic to a social media debate, following calls from some Cubans for U.S. support to intervene on the island and end the dictatorship.
The video firmly states, “No one has the right to request foreign intervention in their own country. That isn’t thought, it’s surrendering sovereignty.”
Cuesta’s posts are increasingly sporadic and lack substance, often retweeting official messages or echoing Díaz-Canel’s statements without offering her own perspective.
This new message from Cuba’s “unofficial first lady” arrives amid intense political debate both domestically and internationally. It's a time marked by international pressure, a challenging energy crisis, rising extreme poverty, and growing criticism of the regime.
The emphasis on sovereignty and Martí’s legacy once again takes center stage in the official discourse, even as large segments of the population demand significant changes in Cuba, particularly in areas where the government has openly stated it won’t negotiate.
Key Questions about Cuba's Political Landscape
What message did Lis Cuesta share alongside the video?
Lis Cuesta shared the message “Long Live Free Cuba!” without additional comments or analysis.
What is the central claim of the video shared by Lis Cuesta?
The video claims that no one has the right to request foreign intervention in their own country, equating such requests to surrendering sovereignty.
What current issues are influencing political debate in Cuba?
The political debate in Cuba is influenced by international pressure, energy shortages, rising poverty, and increasing criticism of the regime.