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The FEU Council of the University of Camagüey urged the students it represents to remain calm and proposed seeking solutions regarding the rate increase by ETECSA.
In a statement contrary to the many that have circulated in recent days, the leaders of the FEU assured students that “as their democratically elected representatives, we are conveying opinions and grievances at all levels.”
They also invited the students to “think of solutions that can help resolve or improve this situation, not only for the students but for the community as a whole.”
The leaders of the FEU at the University of Camagüey emphasized that "every student is represented at every instance."
This statement seems to be a damage control effort in response to the dissatisfaction of its students with the leaders of the FEU, who in most cases have become spokespersons for the government.
So much so that on June 3rd, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work (FEU-FHS) at the University of Havana issued an unprecedented statement in which it demanded the immediate resignation of the national president of the Student University Federation (FEU), Ricardo Rodríguez González, due to his inability to represent the interests of the student body in the current crisis.
The statement was shortly supported by the Faculty of Psychology, which denounced the lack of real representation from Rodríguez and other university leaders, including Hugo A. Fuentes and Daniel A. Corrales, president and vice president of the FEU UH.
The faculty demanded a public space for discussion with student representatives from all faculties to review the continuity of the current leaders of the organization in their positions.
Criticism of the leaders of the FEU intensified following the intervention of the president of the FEU in the state-run 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 widespread protests from various faculties across the country, the student leader defended the rate hike, framing it as part of a process of "respectful dialogue" with the government and authorities.
"Something has happened that we also anticipated," he said, "which is that the enemies of the revolution have twisted this sense of unease that has emerged within the university community to seek confrontation."
His statements were seen as a betrayal of the genuine concerns of students, who face increasing difficulties in accessing the internet—a vital tool for higher education, research, and communication with teachers and peers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETECSA Rate Hike and Student Protests in Cuba
Why are the students of the University of Havana demanding the resignation of the president of the FEU?
The students demand the resignation of the president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez González, because they believe he has not represented the interests of the student body in the current crisis generated by the ETECSA rate hike. His alignment with the official narrative and his defense of the new rates, despite widespread discontent, have been seen as a betrayal of the real concerns of the students.
What measures did ETECSA impose that have caused discontent among students?
ETECSA has imposed restrictions that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days and promotes data plans in dollars. This measure, seen as exclusive and burdensome, has generated widespread rejection among students and the Cuban people in general, as it restricts access to the internet, a crucial tool for education and communication.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests over ETECSA's rate hike?
The Cuban government, through representatives such as the president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez, has attributed the protests to manipulation by "enemies of the revolution." Rodríguez defended the rate hike and framed the student unrest as part of a process of respectful dialogue with the government. This stance has been criticized for disregarding the legitimate concerns of students and for attempting to delegitimize the protests.
What solutions have the students proposed in response to the ETECSA rate crisis?
The students have demanded a horizontal and transparent exchange with the authorities to seek real solutions that benefit not only the students but also the Cuban people as a whole. They have also proposed the elimination of the 360 CUP recharge limit and a comprehensive reassessment of telecommunications policies to ensure fair and equitable access to the internet.
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