Miguel Díaz-Canel appeared at the National Defense Council (NDC) on Sunday evening, dressed in military green, where he issued a stark warning about potential crackdowns on citizen protests following the collapse of Cuba's national electrical grid. This failure has plunged the Cuban populace into unprecedented chaos.
Accompanied by Manuel Marrero, who was similarly attired, Díaz-Canel provided an update on the country's dire situation, offering no immediate solutions. He delivered a pointed threat, stating, "We have all the readiness, capacity, and deployment of the systems organized by the defense councils, party organizations, government, and administrations to respond to any public concerns, as long as they are conducted in a civilized, organized, and disciplined manner."
However, he emphasized, "We will not accept or allow anyone to engage in vandalism or disturb the public peace of our people. This is a conviction and a principle of our revolution."
Díaz-Canel's mention of "public peace" rings hollow in Cuba, where desperation is high, and such crises often precede significant social movements, causing the regime considerable concern.
During his remarks, the leader praised the understanding and behavior of the people, highlighting community-level solidarity. Yet, he pointed out "a small number of individuals, mostly intoxicated, who have behaved indecently."
"They have attempted to provoke public disorder, commit vandalism, and disturb the peace of our people. This opportunity is also seized by those working under the guidance of Cuban counter-revolutionary operatives from abroad," he added.
He also commended the dedication of the national electrical system personnel, who are working under immense pressure to restore stable electricity supply as swiftly as possible. Recognition was given to Party officials and other political and mass organizations present in the most challenging areas, addressing various situations.
On social media, hundreds of Cubans, both inside and outside the country, expressed outrage at Díaz-Canel's threats, reminiscent of those made during the July 11th protests. Recently, there have been reports of protests in several areas of Havana and other locations such as Manicaragua in Villa Clara.
Under cover of night, Cubans from their homes and sidewalks, taking advantage of the darkness for anonymity, banged pots and pans in municipalities like Cerro, East Havana, and Marianao. Videos shared on Sunday night across social media captured cries of "Down with the Dictatorship," "Freedom," and "We want to be free."
In some instances, police forces were deployed in attempts to suppress these demonstrations. The government also resorted to cutting internet access in several regions to prevent the spread of these videos.