A billboard featuring Díaz-Canel was vandalized in Matanzas

A poster featuring Díaz-Canel in Matanzas was vandalized after 27 hours of power outages. The protest reflects the citizens' discontent with the crisis in Cuba.

Image of the vandalized posterPhoto © Iván Hernández Carrillo in Diario de Cuba

Related videos:

A poster featuring the image of ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel was vandalized this Wednesday at the entrance of the municipality of Perico, in Matanzas, after more than 27 consecutive hours without electricity.

The Cuban Iván Hernández Carrillo, in statements to Diario de Cuba, asserted that the sign was sprayed with a dark liquid as a gesture of rejection against the regime and the collapse of basic services on the Island.

The situation was quickly neutralized by local authorities, but it reveals the growing citizen discontent regarding the severe energy crisis, health crisis, and social issues affecting municipalities like Perico.

Hernández Carrillo also reported that the Las Canteras neighborhood has been without electricity for a week due to a transformer failure, with no response from the authorities.

This situation is compounded by an outbreak of chikungunya that is spreading uncontrollably in the area. A local epidemiologist confirmed to the cited media that a significant portion of the municipality is experiencing fever, vomiting, and weakness. The outbreak is believed to have started after the arrival of an infected individual from Bolivia.

This act of protest joins others in the province, such as the one that took place in the Brisas del Mar alley in Cárdenas, where residents went nine days without electricity. The lack of transformers worsens the already critical situation of the Cuban electrical system.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's Image

Why was a billboard featuring the image of Díaz-Canel vandalized in Matanzas?

The billboard was vandalized as a sign of rejection of the Díaz-Canel regime and the collapse of basic services in Cuba. This act of protest reflects the growing citizen discontent due to the energy, health, and social crisis facing the country, particularly in municipalities like Perico, where long periods without electricity and outbreaks of diseases such as chikungunya have been reported.

What factors contribute to the energy crisis in Cuba?

The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of factors, such as the technological obsolescence of thermoelectric plants, lack of proper maintenance, fuel shortages, and internal management errors. While the Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo, it has also acknowledged its own failures in resource management and the implementation of effective economic measures.

How has the Cuban government responded to the protests and social discontent?

The Cuban government has responded with repression and surveillance in the face of social protests. Despite repeated calls for unity and resistance, government promises of future solutions have not managed to alleviate the discontent among the population, which continues to endure prolonged blackouts and a severe economic and social crisis.

What actions have Cubans taken in response to the energy crisis?

Cubans have turned to protests and symbolic acts such as vandalizing posters and anti-government graffiti to express their discontent. These actions reflect a growing social dissatisfaction and a break from the fear of reprisals, in a context where the regime prioritizes tourism and specific sectors at the expense of the basic needs of the population.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.