The frustration among Cubans is intensifying as lengthy blackouts, some exceeding 20 hours a day, plague the nation. "Resign now," was the resounding response to a recent statement from Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Díaz-Canel announced on social media that Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines would appear on television to address the country's "energy emergency." He attributed the energy crisis primarily to the "intensification of the economic war and the financial and energy blockade by the United States," claiming it has hindered the import of fuel and other vital resources for the power industry.
Nevertheless, his comments only fueled the anger of a population already struggling with not only power outages but also a lack of basic services. Adelaida Surí González from Cienfuegos commented, "Good afternoon, President. I must tell you that here in Cienfuegos, people can't see that information due to the lack of electricity. Almost the entire province is shut down, 12 hours and in some areas more than 12 hours."
Voices of Irony and Frustration
Meanwhile, Yanet Gómez Estrada expressed her frustration with irony: "Let's split the country in half. You keep pretending to endure, because I'm sure you don't know what a summer blackout feels like... And on the other side, those of us who no longer want to endure."
Cubans are not only grappling with the energy crisis but also facing severe issues related to food, transportation, and healthcare. "We don't want more information, what we need are solutions," insisted another commenter.
As the nation remains trapped in a cycle of blackouts and scarcity, the desperation among its citizens only continues to grow.