Public sentiment in Cuba is shifting toward open criticism of the government, as observed by journalist Yoani Sánchez. In everyday situations, denunciations of the regime occur without fear of reprisal. This trend indicates a change in social dynamics, with more people favoring political opening.
In an article published by 14ymedio and translated by Havana Times, journalist Yoani Sánchez describes everyday scenes in Havana that illustrate a rise in open criticism of Cuban officialdom. In a shared taxi, a young man plays a YouTube video that harshly describes Alejandro Castro Espín, mentions the word “dictatorship” several times, and denounces the repression of the Cuban regime. No one reacts, asks him to turn off the device, or confronts him ideologically.
Later, in a line in front of an Etecsa office, a woman listens to a song by Los Aldeanos that calls out Castroism. State employees do not flinch, and someone in the line repeats the chorus. A neighbor, who for years has been an obvious informant for the political police, approaches Sánchez to say that “something has to happen, because this can’t go on like this.” On the stairs of a building without electricity and with elevators shut down, another neighbor jokes about the fictional character Cuco Mendieta—a Cuban supposedly belonging to the US Delta Force who took part in the capture of Nicolás Maduro—arriving in Havana on a similar mission.
Sánchez states that never before has Cuban officialdom been criticized so openly. Criticism of the Communist Party is now widespread, carries a corrosive tone, and is spoken loudly. “Gusanear,” that verb taken from government insults, is the daily practice of millions on the island, occurring at bus stops, workplaces, lines to deposit dollars on Clásica cards for gasoline, ration stores, school meetings announcing suspension of in-person classes, and empty bus terminals.
The defenders of the system are at an absolute disadvantage. Of the ideological fervor they once displayed, nothing remains; many are silent, scanning the horizon for approaching change, while others have crossed over to the critics' side. Masks are falling, and the numerical disproportion between those who cling to the current model and those who want a political opening is overwhelmingly favorable to the latter.
Faced with this panorama, Sánchez suggests Miguel Díaz-Canel should think twice before asking for sacrifices and calling for “creative resistance.” His capacity to mobilize is at rock bottom; the Party he leads is living hours of extremely scarce support. Fear has changed sides, and hope that this difficult moment will give way to “a free Cuba” has settled into the collective imagination. Another neighbor tells Sánchez from her balcony: “It won’t be long now,” adding, “This time we’ll be rid of them,” before hanging a sheet washed by hand amid a blackout.
