Cuban comedian and actor Ulises Toirac took to Facebook this week to share a poignant reflection on the nature of power in Cuba: "Over sixty years of secrets, unilateral decisions, unaudited budgets, and the resulting privileges aren't easily surrendered."
This brief yet potent statement sparked a flurry of responses from internet users who supported Toirac's assessment and offered their own insights into the ruling elite's grip on power and privileges accumulated over decades.
Toirac, who identifies himself as "a comedian with political opinions," has consistently used his social media platforms to criticize the Cuban regime's leadership. This recent post is part of a growing series of outspoken critiques that have intensified throughout 2026.
A Call for Leaders to Live Like the People
On July 17, Toirac challenged Cuban leaders to experience life as ordinary citizens do: relocate to impoverished neighborhoods, forego official vehicles, and rely on makeshift transportation, without access to prioritized electricity, water, or food supplies.
In June, he questioned the existence of dual governance in Cuba—comprising the State and the Communist Party—and demanded that members of the PCC and military personnel be barred from holding positions in state enterprises. Also, in July, he addressed the issue of caudillismo as a significant negative legacy of the system.
The Regime's Ethical Dissonance
The gravity of Toirac's words is underscored by recent developments. In January 2024, the regime adopted a Code of Ethics for Cuban Revolutionary Leaders, ceremoniously signed on February 24 of that year, which formally requires leaders to reject privileges and comfort. On July 30, Miguel Díaz-Canel called for "elevated ethical conduct" among leaders, seemingly at odds with public allegations about the ruling elite's privileges.
GAESA, the business conglomerate under the control of Cuba's Armed Forces, operates with a significant lack of public transparency: it does not publish consolidated financial statements or publicly accessible external audits and is not subject to the ordinary oversight of the General Comptroller's Office. In May 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the group held approximately $18 billion in assets, with revenues about three times the Cuban government's budget.
These figures are reportedly based on GAESA's internal financial documents obtained earlier by the Miami Herald. Furthermore, Cuba's Law 158/2022 reinforced the exceptional treatment of military institutions: both MINFAR and MININT are primarily governed by their internal regulations for prevention and control and must report their results to the President of the Republic at least once a year.
Voices of Discontent
In March 2026, the NGO Food Monitor Program highlighted a "dual Cuba": scarcity and hunger for the populace contrasted with privileges and access to resources for officials and political cadres.
Comments on Toirac's post echoed widespread agreement among his followers. One internet user cited José Martí, a quote many found apt for the current situation: "All power exercised broadly and for a long time degenerates into a caste. With the caste come interests, high positions, fears of losing them, and intrigues to maintain them..."
Other comments used colloquial language to describe the same reality. "These aren't riches accumulated in a four-year term; they're from nearly 70 years and are defended tooth and nail," wrote a follower. Another was more direct: "That job isn’t given up voluntarily. Only a greater force can remove them." A third voice employed a culinary metaphor: "It's hard to let go of the pan when you hold the handle... but if it gets too hot... THEY GET BURNED."
Born in Havana in 1963, Toirac is known for television shows like Sabadazo and ¿Jura decir la verdad? Despite his intense criticisms, he remains in Cuba.
Understanding Ulises Toirac's Critique of Cuban Leadership
What did Ulises Toirac say about Cuban leadership?
Ulises Toirac criticized the Cuban leadership for holding onto power and privileges accumulated over decades, stating that these are not easily surrendered.
How has Ulises Toirac used his platform?
Toirac has used his social media platforms as a forum for sustained criticism against the Cuban regime, challenging leaders to experience life like ordinary citizens and questioning the dual governance in Cuba.
What is GAESA and why is it significant?
GAESA is a business conglomerate controlled by Cuba's Armed Forces, notable for its lack of financial transparency and its significant economic power, reportedly holding $18 billion in assets.