The recent statements made by the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who claimed that his administration is not responsible for the power outages in Cuba and that it is a victim of a smear campaign, have sparked a wave of outrage on social media.
In a widely circulated video, Díaz-Canel even called for protests against the Argentine president Javier Milei, diverting attention from the serious internal crisis facing Cuba.
The response from Cubans was swift. In CiberCuba's post on this topic, there are over 3,200 comments filled with frustration and criticism of the regime. Users are demanding explanations regarding the management of the country's resources and are questioning the cynicism of the president's statements.
“If you don’t have money and can’t take it anymore, just hand it over. The people have nothing and are not to blame; they are the ones suffering from hunger, lack of medicine, and power outages. We live in extreme poverty with very low salaries that are not enough for anything. This is not how a revolution is built; this is torture to live,” expressed a user, reflecting the general sentiment.
Another comment states: “Where are the dollars of all the doctors who have been paying you in dollars for years and you give them Cuban pesos? Where are the dollars from remittances, tourism, exports? Where are the dollars from the MLC stores? Speak up! That’s what you need to talk about!”
The population also denounces state inefficiency and internal corruption. "That is the government's responsibility; if they hadn't prohibited private property, maybe things wouldn't be this way. Moreover, they have money, just not for the people. They are completely inefficient," noted another internet user.
Critics also highlight the inconsistencies in the official discourse: “This man calls for protests for the Argentine people, yet we Cubans cannot take to our own streets to protest. In other words, Argentines can protest, but we cannot. No one believes in that incompetent government anymore.”
The discontent is palpable: "It's easy: if you can't handle this country, leave and let more capable people manage and govern it," concluded another comment that sums up the public frustration.
Authorities come forward to justify the energy crisis
The Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, announced that during 2025, blackouts could be reduced thanks to the addition of 46 solar parks with an estimated capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts (MW). However, he acknowledged that they will not be eliminated due to the prolonged deterioration of thermoelectric plants, the lack of spare parts, and the sustained decline in national crude oil production.
De la O Levy pointed out that electric generation consumes more than 50% of the available fuel in Cuba and that the infrastructure for transporting crude oil is inadequate. National oil production has fallen by 138,000 tons this year due to a lack of financing and resources, increasing dependence on imports.
The government is now focusing on promoting renewable energies with support from China, which plans to install 100 solar parks by 2031. The first one was activated in February of this year on the outskirts of Havana.
However, experts warn that these advances will be insufficient to resolve the structural issues that the Cuban electrical system has been facing for decades.
Blackouts continue to severely impact the daily lives of Cubans and the national economy, which did not register any growth in 2024.
In several provinces, power outages exceed 20 hours a day, causing disruptions to productivity and deepening social discontent. This situation has sparked the leading anti-government protests in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Statements and the Crisis in Cuba
Why have Díaz-Canel's statements caused outrage?
Statements by Miguel Díaz-Canel have generated outrage as they downplay the hardships faced by the Cuban people, blaming external factors and deflecting responsibility from the government. Moreover, his comments have been seen as cynical, inviting protests abroad while suppressing internal demonstrations. The population demands more effective management of resources and real solutions to the energy and economic crisis.
What is the current situation regarding blackouts in Cuba?
The situation of blackouts in Cuba is critical, with outages exceeding 20 hours daily in several provinces. The electrical system is in crisis due to the deterioration of infrastructure and a lack of maintenance and investment. The government has promised improvements through the installation of solar parks, but these are not enough to resolve the structural issues of the system.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the government's statements and the situation in the country?
The Cuban population has reacted with increasing discontent and criticism towards the government. Social media has been filled with comments of frustration, questioning the government's priorities and demanding clear answers. Citizens feel abandoned and suppressed, resulting in protests and demonstrations of discontent in various regions of the country.
What proposals has the Cuban government presented to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has proposed to promote renewable energy through the installation of solar parks, some with support from China. However, these measures are seen as insufficient to address the structural problems of the electrical system. The lack of spare parts and the decline in crude oil production further exacerbate the energy crisis.
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