Presenters of Con Filo Mock Party Formation on Social Media

In a satirical jab targeting the increasing number of opposition movements among the Cuban diaspora, the hosts of the government-affiliated show Con Filo, Michel Torres Corona and Gabriela Fernández Álvarez, released a video on Facebook humorously announcing the formation of "their own political party."

Recorded from the show's editing booth, the video features Torres sarcastically discussing their decision: "We're launching our political project, our party, seeing that it's trendy, it's something almost everyone has—so we've decided to have ours too."

Torres jested about choosing a historical name: "We wanted to call it the Communist Party, but that name was already taken." He promised to reveal the final name on the show that night, adding a quip about finances: "The most important thing, the funding, is already sorted."

Meanwhile, Fernández Álvarez admitted in the video that she was unaware of all the details: "I'm actually learning about many things now. I knew about the party, yes, but the name and other stuff, we're still figuring out."

The social media response was swift and largely mocking. Many users played on the word "party" with sarcastic comments like, "What time does the party start and who are they playing against?" and "Party where?" Others chimed in with, "Real Madrid or Barcelona, which party?"

Suggested Names and Public Reaction

Among the repeated themes were suggestions for fictitious names for the supposed organization, laden with satire and derogatory references. Proposals included "Party of the United Idiots," "Party of the Sheep," "Party of the Fart Sniffers," "Party of the Catfish," or "Party of the Blackouts," while others summed up the sentiment with phrases like, "You guys are a joke" and "this show is better than 'Living from the Story.'"

Reactions also highlighted the reality of Cuba's political system. "But can more than one party even exist in Cuba?" one user asked, while another reminded: "It's not allowed in Cuba..." A comment cited Article 5 of the Cuban Constitution, which acknowledges the Communist Party as "unique," questioning, "Are they mocking the Constitution?"

Context and Implications

In the midst of the torrent of messages, some saw the content as a veiled message or provocation. "They don't even realize it's sarcasm; it's a dig at Amelia Calzadilla," a user noted. However, the dominant tone was critical, with few supportive messages and a clear trend towards mockery: "Just read the comments," "the comments speak for themselves," and "not a single positive comment" were some reactions capturing the debate's atmosphere.

This mockery follows the recent announcement by Amelia Calzadilla of the creation of a new party, the Cuban Orthodox Liberal Party, a center-right liberal initiative with the slogan "Justice, Dignity, and Prosperity," based on Martí's ideas and free-market principles.

After living 32 years in Cuba before leaving in November 2023 with her family, Calzadilla explained that regime persecution turned her into an opponent: "I learned the hard way that the Castro propaganda does not forgive honesty; their constant threats, discrediting, defamation, and harassment pushed me to become an activist and opponent."

Calzadilla's announcement garnered support among the Cuban diaspora, with figures like activist Saily González Velázquez, who said, "Finally, a party that represents me. With Amelia Calzadilla, of course."

Comedian Ulises Toirac also reacted to Calzadilla's project, acknowledging her preparation and determination.

Launched on August 11, 2021, just a month after the historic July 11 protests, Con Filo is a state television program designed as a media tool for the regime to attack dissidents and discredit opposition figures. Torres has been involved in multiple controversies: in March 2026, he called Morón protesters "beasts," and in April, he published a critique of Sandro Castro that was censored on the show.

The mocking video from Con Filo once again demonstrates the use of humor as an institutional weapon to discredit the Cuban opposition, at a time when figures outside the regime's apparatus opt to support, albeit with nuances, the initiatives the program seeks to ridicule.