Just three days before the recent collapse of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) on Friday, which plunged almost the entire nation into darkness, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel attempted to downplay the energy crisis with a statement that, in hindsight, only highlighted the regime's disconnect from the Cuban people's reality. "Yesterday, there weren't as many blackouts," he optimistically declared in Matanzas, during a tour where the Communist Party of Cuba's first secretary sought to justify the electrical system's inadequacies. At the time, the province was enduring power outages of over 20 hours a day, with some areas experiencing up to 32 continuous hours without electricity.
During his visit last Wednesday to the Martí municipality, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the dire situation, admitting that residents had faced power cuts lasting "32 consecutive hours." However, he quickly reverted to the usual rhetoric, blaming the U.S. embargo and the country's economic constraints. In a live broadcast by the provincial government of Matanzas, Díaz-Canel insisted that "the unity of the Cuban people is key to overcoming current challenges," urging resilience and understanding amidst the crisis.
Promises vs. Reality
As a solution to the electrical crisis, Dr. Díaz-Canel again relied on future promises rather than immediate, concrete measures. He explained that the government is installing photovoltaic parks in various regions, including two in Matanzas, which "will contribute more than 170 megawatts by mid-year and up to 1,000 megawatts by the end of 2025."
Three days after his speech in Martí, Díaz-Canel found himself under scrutiny from Cuban internet users, criticizing his inefficiency in addressing the widespread energy crisis. "Intensive work is underway to restore the SEN's stability. Since last night and into the early morning, we've been in constant communication with Minister Vicente de la O Levy. Several provinces have already set up their microsystems, and the generation units are beginning to synchronize," Díaz-Canel announced on X (formerly Twitter) this Saturday.
Social Media Backlash
The contrast between Díaz-Canel's words and the country's reality 72 hours later did not go unnoticed on social media. "We don't need more 'tireless work.' We need results, people who solve problems even if they work less. A donkey can't do in 20 hours what a tractor does in five. Please, leave," observed one social media user.
Another Cuban commented, "But you do have power. Who pays for the damaged equipment from so many fluctuations and the spoiled food? We need you to address that. It's shameful." A third person suggested that "only deep political, economic, and social changes can halt the deterioration and disintegration of the national fabric."
In response to the critics on social media, Díaz-Canel took a moment in Matanzas to label them as "haters." Yet, 72 hours after showing disdain for independent voices highlighting the evident failures of his leadership and the so-called "continuity" government, the SEN once again exposes the regime's weaknesses with the fourth collapse in under six months.
Systemic Failures and Misplaced Priorities
While the regime continues to make empty promises and offer technical explanations for the "system's oscillation," the population faces an environment of absolute precarity. The lack of electricity has forced the suspension of work and school activities and jeopardized access to basic necessities like potable water and food preservation. However, the Ministry of Tourism was quick to assure that the hotel sector has a "solid energy backup," clearly indicating the regime's true priorities.
In every electrical crisis, authorities repeat the same script: promises of swift recovery, calls for resistance, and speeches minimizing the problem's severity. Yet, each new collapse further reveals the cracks in an outdated system incapable of providing stable service.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the latest power grid collapse in Cuba?
The recent collapse is a result of systemic failures within Cuba's outdated electrical infrastructure, exacerbated by economic constraints and the ongoing U.S. embargo.
How are Cubans reacting to the power outages?
Cubans have expressed frustration and anger on social media, criticizing the government's inefficiency and lack of immediate solutions to the energy crisis.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The government is focusing on long-term solutions, such as installing photovoltaic parks, but has yet to provide immediate relief to the ongoing power outages.