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The Faculty of Psychology at the University of Havana (UH) has raised its voice firmly. In a statement published this Thursday, its University Student Federation Council (FEU) demanded the immediate dismissal of the national president of the official organization, Ricardo Rodríguez González, whom they accuse of abandoning the student body in favor of the Cuban regime, especially following his stance on the controversial rate hike announced by the state company ETECSA.
The statement from the FEU of Psychology denounces the absence of real representation by Rodríguez and other university leaders, including Hugo A. Fuentes and Daniel A. Corrales, president and vice president of the FEU UH.
The faculty demands a public space for analysis with student representatives from all faculties in order to review the continuity in their positions of the current leaders of the organization.
The trigger: the official government's defense of the "tarifazo"
Criticism intensified following the intervention of the president of the FEU on the government program Mesa Redonda, where Rodríguez González blamed “enemies of the revolution” for manipulating the university unrest caused by the new mobile phone rates imposed by ETECSA.
Despite the massive demands from various faculties across the country, the student leader defended the price hike, framing it as part of a process of "respectful dialogue" with the government and authorities.
"Something has happened that we also expected", he said, "and that is that the enemies of the revolution have distorted this feeling of concern that has arisen within the university community to seek confrontation."
His statements were seen as a betrayal of the genuine concerns of students, who are facing increasing difficulties in accessing the internet, a vital tool for higher education, research, and communication with teachers and peers.
The measure by ETECSA: the internet in Cuba is being dollarized
On May 30, ETECSA announced new restrictions that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days and promotes data plans in dollars (USD), available only through international cards or Monedero MiTransfer.
In response to social pressure, ETECSA announced on June 2 a new "benefit" exclusively for university students: they will be able to purchase a second 6 GB package for an additional 360 CUP, totaling 12 GB for 720 CUP per month. This measure, presented as a response to the generated discontent, does not reverse the limitation on top-ups in national currency nor does it eliminate the exclusive nature of the new model.
The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez, stated that more than 40 educational sites would be accessible at no cost and that scientific journals would be hosted on the company's servers. However, these statements did not succeed in stopping the
The Faculty of Psychology is not alone. Previously, the faculties of Philosophy, History, Communication, Economics, Mathematics, Chemistry, InSTEC, and ISRI had publicly denounced the negative impact of the new fees. The Asociación Hermanos Saíz (AHS), which groups together young Cuban artists, also expressed concern about the consequences of the price hike on access to culture, connectivity, and the circulation of content.
On June 3rd, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology and Social Work (FEU-FHS) of UH issued an unprecedented statement demanding the immediate resignation of the national president of the FEU, as they believe he has been unable to represent the interests of the student body during the current crisis.
The same was done by the students of the Faculty of Biology of UH, who officially distanced themselves from Rodríguez González, and supported the protests against the fees imposed by ETECSA.
Frequently Asked Questions about the University Crisis in Cuba and ETECSA's Price Hike
Why does the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Havana demand the dismissal of the president of the FEU?
The Faculty of Psychology at the University of Havana demands the resignation of the president of the FEU because he is accused of abandoning the student body in favor of the Cuban regime, particularly in light of his stance on ETECSA's price hikes. The faculty claims that there is no real representation of student interests and requests a public forum to analyze the continuity of the current leaders of the organization.
What measures has ETECSA imposed that have generated dissatisfaction in Cuban universities?
ETECSA has imposed new rates that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days and promotes data plans in dollars, which has sparked university protests. These measures exclude many students who do not have access to foreign currencies, making it difficult for them to connect and affecting their academic performance.
What has been the response of the president of the FEU to the criticism regarding the ETECSA price hike?
The president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez González, defended ETECSA's rate hike on the pro-government program Mesa Redonda, blaming "enemies of the revolution" for manipulating the discontent among university students. His statements have been perceived as a betrayal of the genuine concerns of the students, which has heightened calls for his resignation.
How have other faculties of the University of Havana reacted to ETECSA's price hike?
Other faculties of the University of Havana, such as Philosophy, History, Communication, Economics, and Mathematics, have expressed their rejection of ETECSA's rate hike and have demanded the resignation of the president of the FEU. These faculties have denounced the negative impact of the new rates on internet access and academic equity, and have supported the academic strike called by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing.
What alternatives have students proposed to address the crisis caused by ETECSA's price hike?
The students have proposed a direct dialogue with the government and the creation of a multidisciplinary team to seek viable solutions in response to the crisis generated by ETECSA's price hike. Additionally, they have demanded the complete repeal of the measures or, at the very least, the removal of the limit of 360 CUP for monthly top-ups.
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