In the midst of an unprecedented energy crisis, the former Cuban spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, currently the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), attempted to project an image of closeness to the people by posting a video on social media where he claimed to be "sharing the blackout with neighbors from the Maica neighborhood in Pinar del Río."
The publication, far from generating empathy, has sparked a wave of outrage on social media.
Dozens of internet users questioned the authenticity of the gesture and accused him of exploiting the public's suffering for political propaganda.
"You spent barely an hour there, and then back to your nice hotel to live the good life," remarked a dentist.
Another user wrote: "A moment for the video… and you go back to your air conditioning, your clean car, and your fridge full, with your dirty conscience and your empty soul."
"Taunts and more taunts," expressed a third party.
"What time were you there, Gerardo?" asked a woman from Havana.
"Now take them to share in the opulence and luxury in which you live," suggested another user.
The criticisms echo an undeniable reality: the regime's leaders do not experience power outages like the rest of the Cubans.
Gerardo, like the other members of the Red Avispa -released thanks to a diplomatic exchange during Barack Obama's administration- lives in upscale areas of Havana such as Kohly and Miramar, probably with private power generators and all the comforts at his disposal.
His brief visit to Pinar del Río was perceived by many as another mockery of a people worn out by years of hardships.
In that same province, the situation has become unsustainable, with entire communities lacking electricity for more than 30 consecutive hours.
Recently, residents of the Hermanos Cruz neighborhood in the capital city took to the streets with pots and cries of protest.
The protesters even confronted the first secretary of the PCC, Yamilé Ramos Cordero, who responded evasively and blamed the country for "lacking oil," prompting boos from those present.
The words of a young person in Hernández Nordelo's post capture the general sentiment of the people of Pinar del Río: "I don’t see any leader without electricity for over 20 hours… nor a leader with an empty refrigerator."
This is not the first time Gerardo has tried to downplay the seriousness of the electrical crisis.
In March, he published a video where his child explained a "family game" to entertain themselves during a blackout, an attempt to trivialize and normalize the energy collapse caused by the government's inefficient economic management.
More recently, the former spy mocked the massive blackout that affected Spain and Portugal, calling Europe a "failed continent", referring to the hashtag #CubaEstadoFallido that critics of the Castro regime spread online.
In his effort to divert attention from the Cuban debacle, he ignored the fact that the blackout in those countries was an isolated incident, while in Cuba, the lack of electricity is part of everyday life, affecting hospitals, schools, businesses, and homes alike.
The Cuban people, who endure the consequences of an ineffective, centralized, and authoritarian system, find no solace in these staged performances by the regime's leaders.
Far from bringing leaders closer to the people, these maneuvers demonstrate the total disconnection of the political elite from the reality of the majority. In the words of a social media user: "You should be in prison in Guantánamo."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Social Situation in Cuba
Why has Gerardo Hernández been criticized for his video about the blackout in Pinar del Río?
Gerardo Hernández was criticized for trying to show closeness to the people by "sharing" a blackout in Pinar del Río, as his gesture was perceived as mocking, given that it is believed that the regime's leaders do not endure the same hardships as the Cuban people. The criticisms are based on the perception that the leaders live in privileged conditions, far removed from the reality faced by most citizens.
What is the current situation of blackouts in Cuba?
The situation of power outages in Cuba is critical, with communities experiencing electricity cuts of up to 30 consecutive hours. Prolonged outages impact hospitals, schools, businesses, and homes on a daily basis, and citizens are expressing their discontent through protests and social media. Authorities blame the lack of oil, but the people are demanding concrete and effective solutions.
What do social media reactions reveal about the management of the Cuban government?
The reactions on social media reflect a deep discontent with the management of the Cuban government. Internet users criticize the posts of figures like Gerardo Hernández, accusing them of political propaganda and being disconnected from reality. The Cuban population uses social media to express frustration and highlight the lack of transparency and accountability from the leaders in managing the energy crisis.
What is the perception of electricity supply inequality in Cuba?
There is a perception of inequality in the electric supply between Havana and the rest of the provinces. While blackouts in the capital are shorter, in the provinces, outages can last up to 15 hours a day or more. This disparity causes discontent among the residents of the provinces, who feel that the government favors Havana to the detriment of the rest of the country.
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