Díaz-Canel Advocates for "Creative Resistance" Amidst Cuba's Ongoing Crisis

Amidst a severe economic, social, and political crisis in Cuba, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has once again urged the public to tackle the country's difficulties through what he calls "creative resistance." This approach, according to Díaz-Canel, is the key to overcoming the nation's challenges.

In a recent episode of his podcast, "Desde la Presidencia," Díaz-Canel expressed optimism regarding the ability of local communities and municipalities to address issues that he claims are unrelated to the U.S. embargo. "I am convinced, as reaffirmed by our provincial visits, that only through unity in smaller, more connected structures like neighborhoods and municipalities can we tackle many problems that aren't related to the embargo and its impact on Cuban families' tough daily lives," Díaz-Canel stated.

The leader's call for "unity" stands in stark contrast to the spontaneous protests that have become a symbol of the widespread discontent among the population. The scarcity of food, medicine, and fuel, along with the deteriorating electrical system, has plunged the country into chaos, which the official narrative attempts to downplay by solely blaming the U.S. embargo.

However, many Cubans believe that the embargo argument has lost its validity as a justification for the government’s inaction. During his remarks, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the "harsh" situation but did so while downplaying the regime's internal responsibilities: "There is no way to soften what our nation is enduring for daring to defend its independence, sovereignty, and the belief that a more just world is possible," he declared.

"Harsh like no other people have faced for so long, over 60 years creating a web of obstacles, harassment, persecutions, and laws. That's the embargo imposed by the U.S. government across various administrations," he continued to justify.

Despite clear structural deficiencies and the absence of deep economic reforms, Díaz-Canel emphasized that they would not sit idly by awaiting a change in policy. His focus on encouraging "creativity" as a means to mitigate the crisis's effects has been criticized by many as an empty and ineffective rhetoric given the severity of the situation.

Meanwhile, the government continues to refrain from implementing structural reforms that address the roots of a crisis not only caused by the embargo but also by internal stagnation and mismanagement. Critics view "creative resistance" as yet another failed attempt to offer hope to a population weary from decades of unmet promises and repression.

Since the beginning of his presidency, Díaz-Canel has leaned on the concept of "creative resistance" as a solution to Cuba's deepening crisis. In December 2022, during the opening of the IV International Convention Cuba Salud, he urged Cubans to "resist with creativity" in the face of adversity, suggesting this strategy would counter the U.S. "blockade."

Months later, in May 2023, during the closing of the VI Plenum of the Communist Party of Cuba, he reiterated the necessity to "resist and create simultaneously," highlighting the importance of finding innovative solutions within the socialist model.

However, his words clash with the extravagant lifestyles flaunted by those close to power. Recently, the relationship between actress Ana de Armas and Manuel Anido Cuesta, Díaz-Canel's stepson, was confirmed, sparking outrage among Cubans who see this relationship as evidence of the ruling elite's disconnect from the country's reality.

Similarly, Sandro Castro, grandson of dictator Fidel Castro, has faced criticism for showcasing luxury on social media, including a lavish birthday party announced in Havana, which starkly contrasts with the government's preached austerity and the critical situation faced by Cubans.