The recent approval of Decree 110, which introduces an "energy contingency regime" to authorize planned power outages of over 72 hours, has sparked a wave of outrage and comments on social media.
This measure, presented as essential to alleviate the unprecedented energy crisis facing the country, has been perceived by a large segment of the population as yet another blow to their already precarious quality of life.
The comments on Facebook regarding the news post on CiberCuba reflect the frustration and exhaustion felt by many Cubans.
Phrases like "this is not life, we are sick with nerves" or "we can't take it anymore, it's a slow torture" capture the sentiments of a people facing cumulative problems such as shortages of food, medicine, and electricity.
The Human Impact of Blackouts
Among the most common reactions is the concern over the effects of this measure on people's physical and mental health. Additionally, other comments highlight the perception of neglect by the authorities.
While some Cubans call for organization and protest, others express resignation or fear of potential reprisals.
The strategy of declaring the blackouts as part of a "contingency regime" has sparked additional outrage, as many interpret it as a legitimization of the crisis.
A user summed up this sentiment by commenting: “They are legalizing blackouts so that no one can protest without being accused of breaking the law.”
His words, similar to those found in over 1,600 comments on the CiberCuba news post on Facebook, reflect a fear that this measure will be used more as a tool for social control than as a solution to the energy crisis.
Furthermore, Cubans not only criticize the measure itself but also the lack of accountability from the authorities.
"The people pay for the poor work of those in power," noted a Cuban internet user, reflecting the sentiments of a population that sees justifications rather than solutions.
The inequalities in the implementation of power outages have also been questioned. "It always affects the same sectors; hotels and privileged areas are not impacted," another user reported.
On the other hand, indignation has mingled with sarcasm and dark humor, as seen in one comment: “Cuba is making giant strides toward primitive society. Before 1492, everyone lived happily by the light of the campfire,” stated one of the Cubans who commented on the news.
Below are some comments received on our Facebook page that reflect the opinions of Cubans regarding the approval of Decree 110 adopted this Tuesday by the Council of Ministers.
"We're going to end up desperate. They’ve driven us sick with worry. This is no way to live... eating cold meals because there’s no gas. The awful food we find makes it impossible to sleep or live; we might as well just be dead. It's a slow torture."
"Go out into the streets and demand the resignation of the government. They can't imprison us all."
"We are to blame for allowing them to violate our rights and undermine us. They take away our constitutional right to access basic services such as electricity, healthcare, and education."
"That's enough, it's time for all of us to come together, the entire population. When a country unites, no one can stand against it."
“We deserve this for not fighting for our rights. We live by playing the victims, and we are to blame for everything that is done to us.”
"Take it away and don't put it back, so they can collect the electrical cables. If we continue like this, electricity will become a legend."
"I agree with the resolution, but only when it applies to couples. I don't understand why it doesn't affect hotels, Havana, and provincial capitals. If it's for the country, it should be for everyone."
"The solution is in our hands: to stay home, not go to work, and keep the children from going to school. But a few individuals do not build a nation."
"Legalizing the blackout. They are using the law to silence the people."
"Now those who protest against the blackouts are acting against the law. They already have grounds to detain, prosecute, and convict them."
"My God, what madness. I don't understand how they can do this to us."
"A decree must be issued for the regime to leave the country within 48 hours. We can only wish the people strength to continue surviving."
"Why does the people always have to pay for the poor work of those in charge? I am not responsible for the maintenance of the thermoelectric plants."
"New selective energy contingency decree. Many sectors will not be affected, such as hotels and tourist complexes. In short, Cuba is moving forward, but we already know towards where."
"Contingency is a lack of respect for the Cuban people. We have no life with these blackouts and without food. We are going to die in misery."
"No one cares what happens to us. This is torture."
"We endured power outages of 100 hours, and now they keep hitting ushard. How much longer will we have to resist?"
"They have just finished everything, and that's it. This government does not respect us. Everything they do is to further destroy us."
What comes next for the Cuban people?
Decree 110 has once again highlighted the disconnect between the government and the needs of the people.
In a context of growing desperation, many Cubans are wondering how much more they can bear. As a reader of CiberCuba wrote: "We live as if we are victims, but we are the ones responsible for allowing this. Until we decide to change, nothing will change."
While the government insists that these measures are temporary and necessary, public perception is that each new decision exacerbates the crisis rather than resolves it. The calls for real and sustainable change grow louder every day, although the responses still seem distant.
In a country where the energy future appears increasingly uncertain, the approval of this decree not only dims the lights in homes but also extinguishes the hopes of millions of Cubans who yearn for a better life.
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