Miguel Díaz-Canel will launch a new program on Radio Rebelde, where he promises to discuss the country's issues "with an open heart," promote "citizen participation," and even be accountable, after his previous presidential podcast vanished without explanation.
The leader announced this Wednesday from the studios of Radio Rebelde the launch of Criterio Compartido, a segment that he will host every two weeks alongside the official journalist Bárbara Betancourt, as part of the program Haciendo Radio.
"It is a participation program, a citizen participation program. It is a program of transparency, because we will address all our issues openly. It is also a program to build consensus," stated Díaz-Canel.
The promise of transparency comes at a time when Cubans are suffering from a deep economic crisis, prolonged power outages, shortages, and the deterioration of basic services, while the appearances of the leader often provoke skepticism among a segment of the population.
In February, when a special appearance by Díaz-Canel was announced, many Cubans reacted with ridicule and skepticism, particularly due to the contradiction of broadcasting it amid power outages.
"Those who have current will see it," one user then joked. Others anticipated "more resistance with creativity" and "more of the same," reflecting the fatigue that these types of official interventions have generated.
The new space aims precisely to bridge that distance. According to Díaz-Canel, it will serve to "engage in a deeply connected dialogue with our entire audience about the issues of Cuban reality, about concerns, and about aspirations."
It remains to be seen, however, to what extent this announced citizen participation will reach. It is also uncertain what opportunities Cubans will have to directly question the government and how the calls, opinions, and topics that will be aired will be selected.
The mystery takes on special relevance due to the precedent of From the Presidency, the podcast that Díaz-Canel launched in March 2024 to address various issues in the country alongside officials and leaders.
One of its latest episodes was devoted precisely to one of the biggest controversies of 2025: the ETECSA rate hike.
The program was announced as a "critical analysis" following a wave of backlash against the new internet tariffs, which sparked protests and raised questions even among university students.
However, the hearing concluded with officials explaining and defending the necessity of the measures. The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez, apologized for the way they were communicated, but upheld the rate hike.
Another episode of the podcast dedicated to the energy crisis was also called into question due to Díaz-Canel's lack of self-criticism. The leader then defended the official energy strategy and shifted part of the focus to the high electricity consumption, while millions of Cubans continued to endure extensive blackouts.
The Presidency managed to publish 32 episodes, but it stopped updating after the program about ETECSA, released on June 5, 2025. Since then, there have been no new releases or any public explanation regarding the future of the project.
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