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Workers from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) will attend the March of the Fighting People this Friday, called by Díaz-Canel, in an effort to reaffirm his leadership amid the worst crisis the country has faced in its history.
"The electrical workers will be present at the protest today to demand the end of the blockade and for Cuba to be removed from the list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism. Two injustices against our people that must stop now," reads a post shared on the organization's Facebook page.
Dozens of internet users commented on the post, expressing their outrage.
"Your workers are marching, and the people are in the dark; a good objective achieved, isn't it?" an elderly woman remarked.
"Of course they have to be there, front and center, if they have nothing else to do because there's no electricity," a woman joked.
"Keep marching and don’t fix what you’re doing wrong, because the next collapse won’t have a remedy," a man pointed out.
"It’s incredible the lack of respect these leaders have for the people, wasting resources on something trivial, vain, and hypocritical. They are destroying what little socialism we have left," said another.
"A celebration of blackouts and misery," stated a doctor.
Many residents from the interior demanded that those from Havana join the march because they experience fewer power outages.
"Those people won’t have their electricity cut off, while the rest of us can’t even live," stated a resident from Matanzas.
"Let the people of Havana know that they are not losing power. Here in Mayabeque, we had 18 consecutive hours without electricity yesterday, and today I called customer service, and now it's 20 hours without power, with only four hours of electricity," reported a resident in the municipality of Bejucal.
While the electrical workers announce that they will participate in the march, power outages worsen day by day, and with Christmas just around the corner, many Cubans fear spending the holiday in the dark.
For this Friday, the Electric Union has forecasted an impact of 1,525 MW during peak hours. This follows service disruptions the previous day due to a generation capacity deficit that lasted 24 hours, with several provinces experiencing nearly complete blackouts and no electricity throughout the night.
The government's recent call for a march has sparked a wave of criticism and frustration on social media.
Outraged citizens are questioning the usefulness of this mobilization amidst a deep economic crisis characterized by blackouts, food shortages, and widespread precariousness.
Comments on social media reflect a public sentiment that is far removed from the supposed majority support claimed by the regime.
Cubans are calling for real solutions to their problems: food, electricity, and respect for their fundamental rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why is the Electric Union of Cuba participating in the March of the Fighting People?
The Electric Union (UNE) is participating in the March of the Combatant People to demand an end to the blockade and to have Cuba removed from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism. This march, called by the government of Díaz-Canel, aims to reaffirm its leadership amid a deep energy crisis affecting the country.
What is the current situation regarding power outages in Cuba?
The situation regarding blackouts in Cuba is critical, with outages lasting from 14 to 20 hours daily in many provinces. The lack of generating capacity and the fuel deficit have exacerbated the energy crisis, severely impacting the quality of life for Cubans.
How do Cuban citizens react to the energy crisis?
Cuban citizens have reacted with outrage and frustration to the government's handling of the energy crisis. Social media has become a platform for protest, with comments criticizing the lack of solutions and the regime's inefficiency in managing the crisis.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the blackouts?
The Cuban government has announced that it is making a "great financial effort" to import fuels and repair the thermoelectric plants. However, these actions are seen as long-term solutions, and no immediate improvement in the energy crisis is expected.
How does inequality in electricity supply affect the different provinces of Cuba?
The inequality in electricity supply is a significant problem, with provinces outside of Havana experiencing longer and more frequent outages. This situation fosters a sense of injustice and neglect among residents of the most affected provinces.
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