Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac responded with sharp irony to recent statements by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who acknowledged that Cuba is facing “difficult times” amid an energy crisis and worsening fuel shortages.
Toirac shared his reaction on social media, dismantling the presidential phrase with a blend of sarcasm and everyday realities that resonated with many Cubans both on and off the island.
“‘Difficult times are coming’ as if 67 years weren’t enough to know that when a sentence is conjugated in the future in Cuba and ‘difficult’ is used, the adverb ‘more’ is IMPERATIVE,” Toirac wrote.
He explained that in Cuba, the term “difficult” invariably implies a worsening of existing conditions, not something entirely new. “To make it clear that it IS difficult now and it was LESS difficult in the past. Thus ‘progress’ endlessly devolves,” he added.
Díaz-Canel’s comments, made during a meeting with state media, admitted that the national situation is at a critical point. “I know that we are going to live through difficult times. We have lived through difficult times. These in particular are very difficult, but we will overcome them all together,” he stated.
The President again blamed the United States for an “energy blockade” and cited an “acute fuel shortage” impacting essential sectors like transportation, food production, and electricity generation.
Toirac countered this narrative, stating, “The one who thought this was big news… seriously, doesn’t know how the game is played.” He concluded with a sentiment many Cubans interpreted as exhaustion and detachment from a system that repeatedly promises change while maintaining the status quo: “I went to mind my own business and spent my time better.”
Toirac’s response has been widely seen as a reflection of national frustration, encapsulating the realities of constant power outages, long lines, scarcity, and diminishing wages. While Díaz-Canel insists the country will “resist” and attributes problems to external factors, many Cubans believe the future will simply bring “more difficult” times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Ulises Toirac’s reaction?
Toirac responded to recent statements by President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledging that Cuba is facing “difficult times” due to an energy crisis and fuel shortages.
What was Toirac’s main point in his social media post?
Toirac argued that the phrase “difficult times” has become a recurring and predictable announcement in Cuba, implying that hardship is not a new development but a continuous worsening of existing problems.
What did Díaz-Canel attribute Cuba’s current difficulties to?
Díaz-Canel blamed a U.S. “energy blockade” and an “acute fuel shortage” for the challenges facing Cuba, impacting sectors like transportation, food production, and electricity.
What role does public sentiment play in the face of ongoing economic challenges in Cuba?
