On a visit made this Wednesday to the municipality of Martí, in the province of Matanzas, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez addressed the residents with a speech aimed at discussing the serious impacts caused by prolonged blackouts.
As the president himself acknowledged, the local population has faced power outages of up to 32 consecutive hours, a situation that has generated increasing discontent among the people of Matanzas, who see how the lack of electricity complicates their daily lives even further.
The Provincial Government of the People's Power in Matanzas conducted a live broadcast on its Facebook page, where Díaz-Canel began his speech by acknowledging the sacrifices of the citizens and the challenging situation the country is facing.
Using the same old rhetoric and surrounded by a strong presence of security personnel, the leader attributed the long interruptions in the electric service to issues such as the U.S. embargo and internal economic limitations. He assured that the government is working on multiple fronts to mitigate the energy crisis, emphasizing that the unity of the Cuban people is essential to overcoming the current challenges.
In this regard, the president detailed that photovoltaic parks are being installed in different regions of the country, including two in Matanzas, which will contribute over 170 megawatts by mid-year and up to 1,000 megawatts by the end of 2025.
Additionally, he highlighted plans to achieve municipal self-sufficiency by strengthening local agricultural production, focusing on crops such as rice and beans, as well as the recovery of pastureland—a promise that the regime has repeated for years without concrete results.
Díaz-Canel also addressed the criticisms that arise on social media, describing those who question the government management as "haters."
In this regard, he stated that the presence of thousands of people at a public event under these circumstances demonstrates the people's commitment to the revolutionary project.
In summary, Díaz-Canel's speech in Matanzas acknowledged the serious energy problems facing the population, but maintained a tone that is familiar to many: a blend of promises for the future and calls for unity in the face of challenges.
While the announced projects take shape, the people of Matanzas continue to struggle with extended blackouts, and the president's message raises the question of when the concrete changes they desperately need will arrive.
The energy crisis in Cuba continues to worsen, severely impacting the population, while the regime, led by Díaz-Canel, keeps promising solutions that never arrive.
Despite power outages lasting more than 24 hours in some provinces, the authorities continue to provide temporary solutions without addressing the underlying problem. In his most recent statement, the ruler assured that the situation will improve, something he had promised on previous occasions without success.
Recent reports indicate that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, one of the main plants in the country, will resume operations shortly. However, Cubans have heard this same promise multiple times without any improvement in the stability of the electric system. In contrast, Union Eléctrica has reported a "slight improvement" in power outages, although the reality on the streets is that the situation remains unsustainable.
In mid-February, Díaz-Canel visited Najasa and acknowledged that power outages have exceeded 20 hours in some areas of the country. However, instead of taking responsibility for his government's actions, he blamed external factors for the crisis. Meanwhile, the Electric Company of Havana has published a schedule of planned outages affecting the entire city, leaving millions of Cubans in uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's Speech
How long do power outages last in Matanzas according to Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel acknowledged that in Matanzas the power outages have lasted up to 32 consecutive hours. This situation has caused significant unrest among the population, who are facing additional difficulties in their daily lives due to the lack of electricity.
What solutions has Díaz-Canel proposed for the energy crisis in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel has announced the installation of photovoltaic parks in different regions of the country, including two in Matanzas, which will contribute over 170 megawatts by mid-year and up to one thousand megawatts by the end of 2025. However, many believe that these promises lack concrete timelines and immediate solutions.
How has Díaz-Canel justified the energy crisis in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel has blamed the U.S. embargo and internal economic limitations for the energy crisis. However, critics point out that these justifications overlook the inefficiency and mismanagement within the Cuban regime.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban population to Díaz-Canel's speeches?
The Cuban population has shown increasing discontent and skepticism toward Díaz-Canel's speeches. Many citizens feel that the promises of improvement lack a clear action plan, and the frustration is reflected in protests and criticisms, especially on social media.
What challenges is Cuba facing due to the energy crisis?
Cuba faces numerous challenges due to the energy crisis, including prolonged blackouts that affect daily life and the country's economy. The lack of effective structural reforms and poor management exacerbate the situation, leaving the population without access to basic services and creating a climate of hopelessness.
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