Miguel Díaz-Canel appeared before the state media this Friday at a time of intense pressure for the Cuban regime. He acknowledged that Havana is holding discussions with representatives of the U.S. government, something the regime had denied for weeks.
In his appearance, he addressed the energy crisis, negotiations with Washington, the social situation in the country, and other issues that are currently on the government's official agenda.
The following are the main points that Díaz-Canel addressed before the official Cuban press.
Dialogue with the United States
Díaz-Canel confirmed that the Cuban government has begun preliminary and discreet discussions with representatives of the United States to seek solutions to bilateral differences.
These contacts are developed with the support of international actors and based on the principles of equality, sovereignty, and reciprocity.
The admission marks a clear shift in the official narrative, following weeks of public denials.
The ruler himself had stated in January that no negotiations were taking place. In February, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío asserted that that dialogue had not begun.
Energy crisis
The leader acknowledged the seriousness of the fuel crisis that Cuba is experiencing and its direct impact on the national electric system. The lack of supplies has exacerbated power outages and continues to disrupt the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
"It's been three months since fuel has entered the country; therefore, we are generating electric energy during the day using national crude oil in thermoelectric plants, in addition to the significant contribution from renewable energy sources," he said.
He acknowledged that power outages affect people's quality of life and lead to protests, but he blamed the United States government for the energy crisis.
In the appearance, he confirmed that the country is experiencing a productive paralysis, limited transportation, and prolonged power outages of more than 30 hours in some areas.
Government response to the crisis
He tried to convey to the Cubans that the Government Program is working. He assured that in one month he has managed to maintain the energy system by maximizing the use of domestic oil and gas while accelerating investment in photovoltaic parks.
He also mentioned the push for electric mobility and local assembly as part of the official strategy. "Let's do the math; if we've made this progress in one month... how much more will we advance in the coming months!" he said.
These achievements that go unnoticed come in the midst of an unrelenting emergency that continues to impact both the economy and the population. In this regard, he expressed concern over the people's reaction to the energy crisis.
"I regret that there are people who, amid this discomfort, respond by insulting the revolution, the government, and the electrical institution because the blame does not lie with the government, it is not the revolution's fault, nor is it our national electric system. (...) The blame lies with the energy blockade that has been imposed on us," he said.
Social protection and education
He referred to the work stoppages caused by the lack of fuel. He stated that the government prioritizes the relocation of workers to community projects and maintains wage protection.
In the education sector, he advocated for the adaptation to a blended learning model to ensure the continuity of the school year.
In the midst of widespread blackouts, it was announced that they have "made an investment in 400 electric cars that will be arriving in the coming days. We will dedicate the first 100 to transporting patients undergoing hemodialysis across the country."
The rest of the vehicles did not specify their intended use, nor was it clear how the State plans to keep that equipment operational if there is insufficient electricity generation.
In practice, these measures demonstrate the extent to which the energy crisis has forced the regime to readjust the fundamental operations of the country.
Cuban community abroad
Díaz-Canel announced that new measures are being prepared to remove barriers and facilitate the participation of the Cuban community living abroad in the country’s economic development.
"Regarding Cubans residing abroad, I believe we have built a platform that allows for more active participation, with less bureaucracy and more flexibility, even incorporating some very innovative elements that I won't reveal just yet," he said.
The announcement points to a greater openness towards a sector that the regime has politically ambivalent towards for years.
Donation management
The leader defended the Cuban donation management system and assured that it operates with ethical standards, internal controls, and oversight from national and international organizations.
He insisted that the state does not gain economic benefits from those aids, despite it having been proven on several occasions that the government has sold food from donations.
"The country does not gain any economic benefit from it. In other words, the benefit is social because it helps us, but nothing lucrative is done with the donation," he stated.
He mentioned among the institutions the Red Cross, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Food Programme. He also highlighted the contribution of the government of Mexico.
He referred to the boat from Florida and the attempt at armed infiltration
Díaz-Canel reported that an attempt at "armed infiltration for terrorist purposes, funded from the United States," was thwarted. He added that the investigation is ongoing and that there is consular cooperation with the FBI.
He explained that Havana informed Washington about what happened, and the U.S. side expressed interest in participating in clarifying the facts. "We are waiting for a possible visit from the FBI to continue advancing in this investigation,” he said.
The statement was made without providing extensive details during the appearance, but it fits the regime's usual narrative of denouncing external threats during times of high internal tension.
International relations
The leader accused Washington of promoting a campaign of diplomatic isolation against Cuba. Nonetheless, he maintained that the island has strong relationships with peoples and governments from various parts of the world.
Regarding relations with the United States, he explained that we are experiencing a moment of discussions similar to those that led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington during Barack Obama's administration.
"It is not the first time that Cuba has entered into a conversation of this kind. The most recent example was how Army General Raúl Castro conducted the talks with President Obama," he recalled.
Release of 51 individuals
Díaz-Canel commented on the recent release of 51 individuals as a sovereign and humanitarian decision by the Cuban government. He stated that the measure was a response to the good behavior of those affected, and not due to external pressures.
"It is a sovereign practice, no one imposes it on us, we decide it sovereignly. It is not unique; we have done it at other times. Even in the official statement, details are provided about moments when we have resorted to that sovereign practice; we are doing it at this moment due to the explanations given in the statement," he said.
The most important thing about the appearance
Beyond the official arguments, the central political fact was the confirmation that conversations with the United States do exist. After weeks of denials, Díaz-Canel ultimately acknowledged what had already been a widespread suspicion both داخل and خارج of Cuba.
The admission comes amidst a deep economic crisis, power outages lasting over 20 hours, and increasing signs of wear within the state apparatus. Just on Wednesday, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero had urged regime officials to embrace the Government Program as a true working tool, reflecting the concern that is sweeping through the Cuban bureaucracy.
With this appearance, Díaz-Canel attempted to organize the official narrative. But he also made it clear that the regime has been forced to acknowledge a reality that until very recently it publicly denied.
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