Díaz-Canel’s Father’s Day message sparks outrage among Cubans

There were numerous critical comments Miguel Díaz-Canel following a Father’s Day message shared on Twitter. The Cuban leader regularly posts messages on this day, but this year, amid a severe energy crisis and constant power outages plaguing the country, he decided to dedicate his message to an electric sector worker.

“Happy Father’s Day and thank you for setting an example to Cubans like Antonio, a thermoelectric mechanic who faces and overcomes the nation’s greatest challenges, inspiring his children,” he wrote, along with a photo of the employee with his daughter.

Several Cubans reminded the leader of the grim reality that many Cuban families find themselves in, mired in extreme poverty and hardship, unable to celebrate anything this Sunday because of his government’s poor policies.

“How do you expect Cuban fathers to celebrate? No food, almost no water, no milk for children and nothing for the elderly! Your tyranny must end. I can’t wait for the day you leave! You vile, fat tyrant,” said a Cuban woman from New Jersey.

A man from Santiago recalled Adam Smith when he said that no society can be happy and prosperous if the majority of its citizens are poor and unhappy. “Eighty-eight percent of Cuba’s population lives in endemic poverty, in the face of rampant inflation and an apparatus of repression that makes protests impossible,” he stressed.

“Congratulations to all fathers who were separated from their children because of communism,” the netizen noted, referring to the mass migration that separated thousands of Cuban families.

“This isn’t a reality show and we don’t want any more challenges, mate,” noted the soccer enthusiast.

“Has a nuclear submarine been connected to end the blackouts?” he was making fun of another man.

Some netizens used Antonio’s story, as highlighted by electrician employee Díaz-Canel, to emphasize their criticisms.

“Everything about this guy is about challenge, difficulty and creative resistance. “Poor Antonio, thanks to an inept and clumsy president, won’t be able to enjoy carvery, cold beer or a decent family meal today because he only earns eight dollars a month,” one person asked.

“I hope you will also draw inspiration from Antonio and make the right decisions to reverse this situation caused by poor management. It’s not about creative resistance, but about giving our children a better future in Cuba and being consistent,” the young father emphasized.

Cuban Missile Crisis and government policy

In light of the ongoing crisis in Cuba and government policy, here are some key questions and answers that may help clarify the situation.

What sparked Cuban outrage over Díaz-Canel’s Father’s Day message?

Cubans were outraged because Díaz-Canel’s message seemed unrelated to the serious difficulties many families face as a result of the ongoing energy crisis and economic mismanagement, making it difficult for them to celebrate Father’s Day.

Who did Díaz-Canel dedicate his Father’s Day message to?

Díaz-Canel dedicated his message to Antonio, a thermoelectric mechanic, praising his ability to face and overcome national challenges and inspiring his children.

How has the economic crisis affected Cuban families?

The economic crisis has led to an extreme shortage of basic necessities such as food, water and milk, leaving many families unable to celebrate special occasions and living in poor conditions.