A young Cuban has sent a message without filters or euphemisms to the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, reflecting with starkness the accumulated pain of millions of citizens in the face of the endless blackouts that plague Cuba.
Her voice, filled with indignation and emotion, was heard on the TikTok platform and has resonated in a country where official silence prevails, yet fails to stifle the public's frustration.
“Who told you that the power outages are due to the high consumption of Cubans?”, ironically asks user @sarai.jun, referring to the recent statements by Díaz-Canel, who attributed the power cuts to increased consumption and avoided self-criticism.
“Of course, when the light arrives, even the little bit of light you provide, Cubans are going to make the most of it. Or do you expect them to wash in the dark?”, he adds, questioning the lack of sense and humanity in the official arguments.
But their message goes beyond a technical critique. It is an emotional outpouring from the depths of the community, a denunciation of what they see as a complete lack of empathy from the leader: "You have no love in your heart. I believe your parents raised you without love. Your soul is rotten."
The energy crisis in Cuba has reached dramatic levels so far in 2025. According to reports from the Electric Union (UNE), the generation deficit has surpassed 1,700 megawatts (MW), leading to blackouts of up to 20 hours a day in several provinces across the country.
The causes are multiple: recurring technical failures in the outdated thermoelectric plants, prolonged maintenance, fuel shortages, and lack of structural investment. Although the government has tried to mitigate the collapse by incorporating power generators, these measures have been insufficient and temporary.
Meanwhile, the official discourse remains detached from the daily struggles. In a recent address, Díaz-Canel asserted that "the government's strategies have been correct", although he acknowledged that their effects "are not yet visible" due to external factors.
These words have been perceived by many as mockery. "It doesn't take courage to repeat speeches. It takes heart to listen to what your people are silently crying out" , the young Cuban reproaches in her video.
Empty promises and a people on the brink of collapse
The government has promised that electrical issues could be resolved in three years, but this promise has been met with skepticism and frustration both inside and outside the island. Meanwhile, protests and pot-banging continue to emerge in neighborhoods where the lack of electricity compounds issues related to food, water, and medicine.
The young woman does not appeal to ideologies, but rather to universal values. “I don’t talk about politics, I talk about the eternal. You are sowing pain, and that comes with a price”. She concludes her message with a warning that blends faith and justice: “If you do not repent, divine and human justice will catch up with you. And what awaits you… you won’t be able to escape that”.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of blackouts in Cuba is the deficit in electricity generation, which has exceeded 1,700 megawatts (MW). This deficit is due to technical failures in the outdated thermoelectric plants, prolonged maintenance, fuel shortages, and a lack of structural investment.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of citizens. Prolonged blackouts disrupt essential services such as the supply of drinking water and food refrigeration, leading to economic losses and affecting the health of individuals, particularly children and the elderly.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to resolve the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to mitigate the electrical collapse by incorporating generators, but these measures have been insufficient and temporary. Authorities have promised that the electrical problems could be resolved in three years, although this promise has been met with skepticism by the population.
What do Cuban citizens think about the government's management during the energy crisis?
Many Cuban citizens strongly criticize the government's management during the energy crisis. The population perceives President Miguel Díaz-Canel's statements as a mockery, and citizens express their frustration and indignation on social media, pointing out the lack of empathy and concrete solutions from the government.
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