Amid one of the worst energy crises in recent years in Cuba, with blackouts exceeding 20 hours in several provinces, workers from the Union Eléctrica (UNE) gathered this Thursday at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana to participate in an act of solidarity with Palestine.
"With the conviction that characterizes us, we raise our voices for peace, justice, and solidarity among nations," published the UNE on Facebook, along with images of its employees and workers from the Ministry of Energy and Mines mobilized towards the gathering.
The newspaper Granma announced events across the island under the slogan "solidarity with Palestine," highlighting the one that took place in the capital starting at 7:30 am, broadcast live by state television.
The gesture, amidst the near-total paralysis of the national electrical system, sparked outrage among citizens, who view it as yet another example of the regime's distorted priorities.
"What they need to do is address the thermoelectric plants to see if the issue of blackouts can be resolved," questioned a parent.
"Since they woke up early, go see how they generate electricity, which has Cuba in the dark," criticized another user.
The comments multiplied on the UNE's post, filled with irony, frustration, and anger.
"I started reading with hopes that they would show support for the Cuban people, for their own families who do not have electricity," noted an emigrant.
Others labeled the march as a "circus" and "pure theater," recalling that while the Island remains in darkness and without concrete solutions, the government continues to organize political events.
A journalist commented on the futility of the demonstration. "Did any of those present realize that Israel and Hamas have already approved President Trump's peace plan?" he said.
Discontent is deepening as the electrical crisis shows no signs of easing.
UNE itself announced that at 6:00 AM this Wednesday, the generation availability was only 1,600 MW compared to a demand of 2,660 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,086 MW.
For the peak nighttime hours, a deficit of up to 1,590 MW is expected, which means that hundreds of thousands of households will once again be without service for nearly the entire night.
Even so, while the entire country suffers from prolonged power outages, the government has bolstered its propaganda agenda.
Other organizations, such as the National Assembly of People's Power and the Ministry of Finance and Prices, also reported their attendance at the march.
For the citizens, the scene is infuriating: while Cuban families are lacking electricity, water, food, and medicine, workers from the entity responsible for keeping the country running are mobilized to support the regime's political agenda.
As a user from Matanzas summed it up: "This country is worse than Gaza, with over 28 hours of blackouts and the thermoelectric plants out of service, and they're out marching."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and the Priorities of the Cuban Government
Why are there such prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a significant deficit in electricity generation, caused by a lack of imported fuel, the deterioration of electrical infrastructure, and insufficient maintenance of thermal power plants. This situation has led to blackouts exceeding 20 hours in several provinces, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans.
What is the reaction of Cuban citizens to the Electric Union's march for Palestine?
The march by the Electric Union in solidarity with Palestine generated outrage among Cuban citizens, who believe the government has distorted priorities by focusing on political acts while the energy crisis remains unresolved. Comments on social media reflect frustration and anger, as the people endure prolonged blackouts while the regime organizes propaganda events.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
Prolonged blackouts in Cuba severely impact the daily lives of citizens, causing lack of access to water, spoilage of refrigerated food and medicines, interruptions in transportation and public services. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and desperation among the population, which is forced to endure inhumane living conditions.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to mitigate the energy crisis through the installation of solar photovoltaic parks and the maintenance of some thermoelectric plants. However, these measures have been insufficient to resolve the generation deficit, and the population continues to suffer from prolonged blackouts. The lack of structural solutions and the dependence on imported fuels exacerbate the problem.
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