The pictures of thousands of Cubans filling the streets of central Havana on Sunday shouted "Down with the dictatorship!"

was an unusual sight.

Dissatisfaction among regime critics has long been silenced, not least by the Communist Party's loyal informants and the persecution of dissidents.

But at the same time, Cuba today cannot be compared to the society that emerged after the revolution of 1959 or everyday life during the "special period" of the 1990s after Cuba's supplier Soviet had collapsed.

After Raúl Castro took over as president after his brother Fidel in 2008, the Communist Party has seemed to prefer pyspunk to the power structure, rather than sticking to everything the regime has previously stood for and thereby risking an even more explosive dissatisfaction.

The harassment of prominent critics of the regime has continued, but much has also changed.

Internet and anger

The reforms that ten years ago allowed some private ownership and entrepreneurship were an important step in appeasing dissatisfied Cubans who have been cut off from the outside world, both economically, politically and culturally.

But at the same time as you appease some, the hopes of others for more freedom are aroused.

The gradually increasing access to the internet has also radically changed the conditions for the people of Cuba to search for and disseminate information.

Compared to just five years ago, far more Cubans today have access to the internet and messaging apps.

It has probably played an important role in the anger over the worst economic crisis since the mid-1990s this time leading to organization.

The fact that the internet was temporarily shut down after the protests indicates that Cuba's leadership has drawn the same conclusion.

Olart support for the Communist Party

It is difficult to say how much of the country's population is still behind the Communist Party. When I have met Cubans on various trips in the country, there has been a clear dividing line. Many young people have been hungry for more freedom, openness and exchange with the outside world. The older generation that still remembers the military dictatorship under Fulgencio Batista has not infrequently remained grateful to the Castro brothers and the socialist revolution. But those who remember become fewer each year.

Of course, there are also young people who support Cuba's socialist government.

But since Raúl also stepped down as president and handed over to Migual Díaz-Canel, the symbolic significance of the Castro's Cuba brothers has further weakened.

It is unlikely that the protests would lead to any drastic changes.

At the same time, they may already have consequences.

This week, increased opportunities were announced for people to bring in highly sought-after goods from abroad without paying high tariffs, as well as greater freedoms for companies, which could be seen as concessions to the protesters.

Over a hundred people disappeared

Human rights groups reported more than 140 arrested or missing protesters and at least one person was killed in last weekend's protests.

Díaz-Canel urged his supporters to go out and defend Cuba from the insurgents and people I have been in contact with have told me about what they interpreted as mobilization in the streets in the following days.

In the short term, Cuba's Communist Party is probably fairly secure, but recent events still seem to have created some concern at the top.

At the same time, many critics of the regime have probably been strengthened by the idea that mobilization is possible.

If the little boy does not release air at a fast enough pace, they may well get up again.