Miguel Díaz-Canel made it clear on July 5, at the closing of the X Plenary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba: “We are a country at war.” It's not a metaphor. It is the rallying cry he intends to use to galvanize a weary nation, facing daily blackouts, rampant inflation, widespread shortages, and unrestrained emigration.
From the Palace of the Revolution, the Cuban leader once again placed the spotlight on the external enemy as the main culprit of the internal disaster. He stated that Cuba has "lived and resisted for over 60 years under conditions of war," a war made up of "economic bombs" and "bombs of misinformation, distortion, and hatred."
"The most twisted purpose, he asserted, is for the nation to fracture and for the victim to end up blaming themselves instead of the perpetrator."
In that logic of a "siege mentality", Díaz-Canel vehemently criticized the United States government, accusing it of applying a "mockery of the Mallory memorandum" through a new Presidential Memorandum on National Security, which, according to him, continues to "intensify the economic war" and isolate Cuba from the world.
The Cuban leader denounced that Washington seeks to provoke a "social outbreak" during the summer months. This is a recurring accusation in his rhetoric since the protests on July 11, 2021, and is now presented as a looming threat.
“Once again, the empire is betting on a political and social crisis that will lead to an explosion during the summer,” he said, while warning about campaigns of “subversion, confusion, and disorientation” against the people.
He did not provide figures, results, or specific timelines. However, he did reiterate that all solutions depend on Cuba itself, even though the outlook is, in his words, "extremely challenging."
Resistance, ideology, and youth
The word “resistance,” mentioned more than ten times throughout the speech, once again became the flag of the official narrative. This time, it was accompanied by the adjective “intelligent.” According to Díaz-Canel, it is not just about enduring but about envisioning solutions “with creativity and courage.”
He called for an active participation of the people and, especially, of the youth, in the "decisive processes for the sustainability and development of society." At the same time, he emphasized the need to strengthen "patriotic and revolutionary education" and promised to not tolerate corruption, indiscipline, or drug use.
Meanwhile, the majority of Cubans on the island continue to struggle with a collapsed energy system, inadequate wages, deteriorating public services, and an ongoing wave of migration.
But for Díaz-Canel, the Party is the shield. And in his closing remarks, he called for the IX Congress of the PCC as a new milestone of "heroic resistance."
Frequently asked questions about the current situation in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's speech
Why does Díaz-Canel claim that Cuba is a "country at war"?
Díaz-Canel uses the expression "country at war" to hold the United States responsible for Cuba's internal problems, such as the economic crisis, power outages, and shortages. According to him, Cuba is facing a war made up of "economic bombs" and "bombs of misinformation and hate." This discourse aims to maintain a focus on resistance and unity against the supposed external enemy.
What is the purpose of the IX Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba?
The IX Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba has been called as a milestone of "heroic resistance." Díaz-Canel presents it as a crucial event for the continuity of the regime and the reaffirmation of the official ideology. During this congress, strategies are expected to be discussed to "resist" external pressures and address the internal challenges facing the country.
How does Díaz-Canel respond to the sanctions from the United States?
Díaz-Canel describes the United States sanctions as an "abuse" and a form of "criminal siege" against Cuba. According to him, these measures aim to destabilize the country and subject it to foreign domination. Despite the sanctions, Díaz-Canel insists that the Cuban people will resist and that the only possible response will be victory, reaffirming his commitment to national sovereignty.
What role do young people play in Díaz-Canel's discourse?
Díaz-Canel calls on young people to actively participate in the "decisive processes for the development of society". He emphasizes the importance of "patriotic and revolutionary education" to ensure the country's future. In his speech, Díaz-Canel stresses the need for creativity and courage, appealing to youth as a driving force for change and resilience in the face of current challenges.
Filed under:
