The Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz urged to defend the regime he represents every day on social media, despite the reality of blackouts and limited internet access that Cubans are experiencing.
“On World Social Media Day, we reiterate President Díaz-Canel's call to advocate for Cuba every day. May these platforms serve as a stage to share our truth, to unite and build,” Marrero said on X.
A few weeks ago, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted that the regime has decided to embrace the challenge posed by social media, the same platforms they ignored until just a few years ago, which they now define as a new political battleground.
“We have accepted the challenge, we are going to fight on social media. And we will fight to win,” said Díaz-Canel in an interview published this week on the YouTube channel Presidencia Cuba, where he spoke with four Spanish journalists during the “Patria” Colloquium, organized in Havana.
The president stated that his government responded slowly to the rise of social media, and cited the historic protests of July 11, 2021, as a turning point, defining it as a "massive media operation."
"We arrived late to social media. I would go further and say that on July 11, a national protest was orchestrated against us with a massive media operation. At that time, we were hardly present on social media," he admitted.
Cuban citizens, however, not only have to endure power outages of over 20 hours, but also, following the recent hike in internet prices, can only top up their mobile data service up to 360 Cuban pesos (CUP) within a 30-day period, which represents a drastic and unprecedented limit.
This amount barely allows you to purchase a 6 GB package, in a country where salaries do not even suffice to cover basic needs.
The Cuban regime is showing concern over what it calls "the fight" on social media, deploying an army of accounts belonging to officials, state workers, and bots, popularly known as ciberclarias, while also punishing with fines, warnings, and prison sentences for those who express critical opinions in this environment.
Recently, the Cuban Prosecutor's Office has requested a sentence of 10 years in prison for Alexander Verdecia Rodríguez, an activist and coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unpacu) in the municipality of Río Cauto, Granma province. The reason: having published criticisms of the Cuban government on social media.
The case has generated outrage both inside and outside of Cuba, and has been publicly denounced by his wife, Eliannis Villavicencio Jorge, who shared a snippet of the prosecution's document detailing the request for sentencing on social media.
Verdecia was arrested on February 6, 2025, by the Cuban political police, accused of making posts that, according to the authorities, "threaten the constitutional order." Since that day, he has been imprisoned in the Las Mangas provincial prison in Bayamo.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba: Social Media and Energy Crisis
Why is the Cuban government promoting the use of social media?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero, is promoting the use of social media as a new political battleground. The regime seeks to defend its narrative and counter what it considers a "media war" against it. This approach intensified following the protests of July 11, 2021, which were organized and widely disseminated through these platforms.
How does ETECSA's rate hike affect Cubans?
The ETECSA price hike has drastically limited internet access in Cuba, allowing top-ups only up to 360 CUP per month, which is equivalent to a 6 GB package. This measure has caused significant discontent, as the cost of the packages exceeds the monthly minimum wage and can only be purchased in dollars by those with access to foreign currency. This severely limits connectivity and access to information for most Cubans.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
Cuba is facing one of the worst energy crises in decades, with frequent and prolonged blackouts affecting the daily lives of citizens. The national electric system is in collapse due to outdated infrastructure, lack of fuel, and poor management. Despite the measures announced by the government, the situation remains critical and no short-term solutions are in sight.
How is the Cuban government responding to internal and external criticisms regarding its administration?
The Cuban government, led by Díaz-Canel and Marrero, has responded to internal and external criticism with speeches that appeal to sacrifice and resilience in the face of the U.S. embargo. However, this rhetoric has been received with skepticism and widespread discontent, as it does not provide concrete solutions to the structural problems facing the country, such as the energy crisis and restrictions on internet access.
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