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In a gesture that has once again become a source of controversy, Lis Cuesta, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, celebrated his 65th birthday in a message full of praise on X.
"My dear Díaz, I thank you on your 65 springs for every trace of LOVE you have left in my life," Cuesta wrote, accompanying his greeting with a fragment from the song "Ángel para un final" by Silvio Rodríguez, reportedly the dictator's favorite.
His seemingly poetic statement has been met with a flood of ironic comments filled with frustration over the difficult economic, social, and political situation the country is facing.
Some of the comments on the post were particularly critical, accusing the couple of enjoying luxuries and privileges while the Cuban population suffers from shortages and hardships.
A netizen wrote: "While you enjoy the sweet fruits of power, the people are dying of hunger in Cuba." Another added: "Photo of the aristocracy. How was it again, '… the humble, for the humble'?"
A third person used irony to say: "How nice, huh? And the people of Cuba are suffering while you live like fat pigs, like kings in your castles. But the good thing is that it's just a matter of time; everything will come to light, and you won't be the exception."
"Oh, if the little piggy is romantic. Do you know how many women are imprisoned today in Cuba for shouting for freedom, the freedom that your husband, that jerk Diaz-Canel, has held hostage? They can't even celebrate or congratulate their husbands," questioned a young woman.
The image accompanying Cuesta's message, which shows the couple posing in a loving manner, was also the subject of mockery.
"If Silvio finds out that you took one of his songs to justify that you stole another woman's husband," a user mocked.
On the last birthday, Cuesta attempted to express her love for Díaz-Canel by quoting Mario Benedetti, with some verses that described their relationship as something "more than two."
"What a pity that the parents of the 'dictator of your heart' didn't use a condom!" one comment shot back, while others dedicated themselves to making memes of the image.
The figure of Lis Cuesta and her relationship with Díaz-Canel are marked by the discord created by celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in a country caught in an unprecedented economic crisis, with a severe shortage of food, medicines, and basic products.
The romance between the two, who married in 2009, has been a recurring topic on social media, especially when Lis refers to her husband as her "divine lover" or as the "dictator of my heart."
As sweet exchanges multiply, Cubans, many of whom live in extreme hardship, continue to point out the disconnect between the power elite and the everyday realities of the people.
Cuesta's message is not isolated, as she has repeatedly shown her unconditional support for her husband, something that many Cubans consider unfortunate given the political and economic context of the country.
In the midst of the crisis, criticism of the presidential couple continues to rise, and the gap between those in power and the people seems to be widening increasingly.
Cuesta, director of the Paradiso Agency of the Ministry of Culture, is under scrutiny for her support of high-level cultural and gastronomic events in Cuba, which has sparked further outrage in a nation where hunger and scarcity are the everyday reality for millions of people.
The contrast between images of love and the harsh reality of the Cuban crisis remains one of the most discussed topics on social media, and Lis Cuesta's post is a clear example of how the power in Cuba confronts a people weary of empty promises and the excesses of the ruling class.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lis Cuesta and the Situation in Cuba
How has the public reacted to Lis Cuesta's birthday message to Díaz-Canel?
Lis Cuesta's message has sparked intense controversy on social media, with critical and ironic comments about the presidential couple's disconnection from the reality faced by the Cuban people, such as scarcity and daily hardships.
Why is Lis Cuesta such a controversial figure in Cuba?
Lis Cuesta is controversial due to her visible participation in official and cultural events, and for her statements that many consider disconnected from Cuban reality. Her lifestyle, seen as privileged compared to that of the Cuban people, generates constant criticism.
What is the Cuban public's perception of the relationship between Lis Cuesta and Díaz-Canel?
The romance between Lis Cuesta and Díaz-Canel is seen by many as a symbol of the disconnection between the ruling elite and the reality of the people. Many criticize that the couple enjoys luxuries while the population faces extreme difficulties.
What criticism has Lis Cuesta received for her participation in cultural events in Cuba?
Lis Cuesta has faced criticism for her support of elite cultural events while the Cuban people grapple with shortages and an economic crisis. Her involvement is seen as an attempt to legitimize a regime that many view as repressive and out of touch with the needs of the people.
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