Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit on Tuesday to several business facilities in Habana del Este sparked a wave of criticism from Cubans on social media, on a day marked by a new total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN).
According to the state media Cubadebate, the president inspected industrial projects in Habana del Este, which include the country's first public charging station for electric vehicles, located on the Vía Blanca highway in Guanabo, and supported by 432 solar panels with a capacity of 274 kWp. He also visited the Base Business Unit "Industrial Guanabo," where he learned about a project for assembling 250 containers intended for garbage collection in Havana.
The visit took place on the same Tuesday when Cuba experienced the fifth total collapse of the National Electric System in 2026 and the third in eight days. The disconnection occurred at 11:05 AM, when the country was facing a generation deficit of between 1,990 and 2,020 MW against a projected demand of 3,150 MW.
The Presidency's post on Facebook about the presidential tour quickly became a wall of criticism. “He lives in another country,” was one of the comments that best summarized the feelings of many internet users in response to the images of Díaz-Canel inspecting energy-related projects, shared on the same Tuesday that millions of Cubans were facing another collapse of the electricity grid.
The criticisms focused on the disconnect between the presidential agenda and the reality faced by millions of Cubans. "It seems they haven’t realized that the SEN is broken. Just thought you’d like to know," wrote one user. Another summed up the feelings of many commentators with a phrase that was repeated in various forms: "This person lives in another country."
Several internet users questioned the leader’s decision to spend the day touring business facilities while the country faced another electrical collapse. "Incredible... the country on the verge of total collapse and you keep strolling for the cameras," wrote a user. Another added, "The one who tours the most and resolves nothing. Just a lot of talk. A country without electricity is headed for ruin."
The post also became a space to report everyday issues that remain unresolved. "We need water... Do you have water in your house, or are you struggling too?" asked one user. Another commented that, during the presidential visit, electricity service was temporarily restored in the area, but it was interrupted again shortly after the delegation left. She also lamented that Díaz-Canel did not walk through nearby streets where overflowing pits and other problems have persisted for years.
Other users took the opportunity to highlight the difficulties they face in their regions. "It's been over three months since a building in Santa Clara has been without water, and no one is solving the problem," wrote one internet user. "Meanwhile, there's no water, no electricity, and no cash to collect the pension," added another commenter. There were also those who questioned the purpose of the presidential visit: "I still don't understand the roles of the president and the prime minister. Visiting companies and observing their operations are tasks for the government, not the president," stated one user, while another summed up the contrast with a single phrase: "Companies without power."
The criticisms went beyond economic management and led to questions about the political system. "Only misery, a demonic economic system," wrote one user. Others called for changes with messages like "#VivaCubaLibre," "#DownWithTheDictatorship," and "Cuba must adopt democracy."
There were also calls for Díaz-Canel and the ruling elite to step down. "Get out, dogs," wrote a user.
Díaz-Canel's visit once again highlighted the widening gap between the official discourse and the discontent of a population facing prolonged blackouts, shortages, and an increasingly severe economic crisis. On social media, the presidential tour was overshadowed by criticism from those who believe the government's priorities remain far from the country's most urgent issues.
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