The recent approval of Decree 110, which introduces an "energy contingency regime" to authorize planned power outages lasting more than 72 hours, has sparked a wave of outrage and comments on social media.
This measure, presented as necessary to alleviate the unprecedented energy crisis the country is experiencing, has been perceived by much of the population as another blow to their already precarious quality of life.
The comments on Facebook regarding the news post on CiberCuba reflect the state of 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" encapsulate the sentiments of a people facing cumulative issues such as shortages of food, medicine, and electricity.
The Human Impact of Blackouts
Among the most common reactions is the concern about the effects of this measure on people's physical and mental health. Additionally, other comments highlight the perception of neglect from the authorities.
While some Cubans call for organization and protest, others express resignation or fear of possible reprisals.
The strategy of declaring the blackouts as part of a "contingency regime" has sparked further outrage from many who interpret it as a legitimization of the crisis.
A user summed up this sentiment by commenting: "They are legalizing the blackouts so that no one can protest without being accused of breaking the law."
His words, similar to those in over 1,600 comments on the CiberCuba news post on Facebook, reflect the fear that this measure will be used as a tool for social control rather 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 charge," noted a Cuban internet user, reflecting the sentiments of a population that finds only justifications rather than solutions.
The inequalities in the implementation of power outages have also been called into question. "It always affects the same sectors; hotels and privileged areas are not affected," another user reported.
On the other hand, indignation has mingled with sarcasm and dark humor, as seen in the comment: “Cuba is making giant strides towards primitive community. Before 1492, everyone lived happily by the campfire,” stated one Cuban who commented on the news.
Below are some of the 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 finish ourselves off. They have us on edge. This is no way to live... eating cold meals because there's no gas. The awful food available makes it impossible to sleep or live; we might as well be dead. It’s a slow torture."
"Go out into the streets and demand the government's resignation. They can't imprison us all."
"We are to blame for allowing our rights to be violated and for being vulnerable. They take away a constitutional right to access basic services such as electricity, health care, and education."
"Enough already, it's time for all of us to come together, the entire people. When a country unites, no one can stand against it."
"We deserve this for not fighting for our rights. We go on playing the victims, but we are the ones responsible for everything that happens to us."
"Remove it and don’t put it back, so that they can collect the electrical wires. 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: not going out, not going to work, keeping the children from going to school. But a couple of people cannot make a nation."
"Legalizing the blackout. They are using the law to silence the people."
"Now those who protest against the blackouts are acting against a law. They already have grounds to stop them, prosecute them, and convict them."
"My God, what madness. I don't understand how they can do this to us."
"A decree must be made 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 where it's headed."
"Contingency is a lack of respect for the Cuban people. We have no life with these blackouts and without food. We are going to perish in misery."
"No one cares what happens to us. This is torture."
"We have endured blackouts lasting 100 hours, and now they continue to hit us hard. How much longer will we have to withstand this?"
"Just finish it all already. This government doesn't respect us. Everything they do is to destroy us even more."
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 despair, many Cubans are asking how much more they can endure. As a reader of CiberCuba wrote: "We live as victims, but we are the ones to blame for allowing this to happen. 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 resolving it. Voices calling for real and sustainable change are growing louder day by day, although responses still seem distant.
In a country where the energy future appears increasingly uncertain, the approval of this decree not only extinguishes the light in homes but also dims the hopes of millions of Cubans longing for a better life.
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