Miguel Díaz-Canel's Gratitude Sparks Outrage Among Cubans After Two-Day Blackout

In an attempt to express his appreciation for the "understanding" shown by Cuban families during the recent turmoil caused by the disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN), President Miguel Díaz-Canel faced a wave of criticism on social media. Many users responded with outrage, accusing him of insensitivity and downplaying the hardships faced by the populace, arguing that his message does not reflect the daily struggles of those striving to survive amid the energy crisis.

Let's break it down: The communist leader took to his various platforms, stating, “Thank you, Cuba, for your understanding during the hours of uncertainty and discomfort caused by the SEN disconnection. And thank you to the workers and leaders of the Cuban Electric Union, who faced it tirelessly. We still have a deficit, but we're connected now,” he wrote on his social media.

However, his message ignited anger among many Cubans, with some not hesitating to respond, pointing out that he is among those responsible for the citizens' suffering on the island. For instance, user Lunita posted on X: “How can you talk so much nonsense from your air-conditioned comfort while the people's little food spoils?” Others, like internet user Frank El Makina, mocked the president, labeling him a “clown” and recalling the repressive treatment towards citizens.

Comments on the same post but on Facebook also revealed widespread discontent. Some users indicated that the people's "understanding" is not voluntary but driven by fear, while others criticized the prolonged disconnections still affecting areas like Guisa and Pedro Betancourt, where electricity service has been sporadic. “The only one connected here is you, because in Pedro Betancourt, the power was on for 3 to 4 hours, and we haven't seen a light since,” one user expressed. Others emphasized the government's cynicism and disconnection, suggesting that the people endure out of fear of retaliation.

This social media backlash highlights the growing disenchantment and frustration of a citizenry that, amid a crisis of basic services and economic difficulties, feels abandoned and oppressed. Far from offering concrete solutions, the leader warned that the country continues to face a severe energy deficit, making it clear that power outages will persist.

While Díaz-Canel attempts to project an image of control and gratitude, many Cubans are calling for urgent improvements to living conditions in a country that, according to them, has neglected its people.

Ongoing Scheduled Blackouts in Cuba Following Electrical Collapse

The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) continues with scheduled blackouts after the electrical collapse, despite confirming that the SEN was restored nationwide. In their Monday report, they noted that on March 16, service was affected 24 hours a day. The maximum impact was 1,601 MW at 7:30 PM, but it did not coincide with peak hours. As of 7:00 AM Monday, SEN availability was 1,900 MW, with a demand of 2,600 MW, resulting in 736 MW affected. A midday impact of 1,200 MW is estimated.

Díaz-Canel Claims Connection with the People

In March 2024, Díaz-Canel asserted that he is not disconnected from the people and that the primary gauge for understanding public opinion is his friends and family. Four days after protests shook various Cuban towns, where hundreds took to the streets to demand their rights, he appeared on television trying to portray himself as humble and empathetic with people's needs.

“None of us are detached from the people. I'm in a family, friendship, and work environment, where people have the same problems as the population because they are part of the people,” he said. “Therefore, my friends, my family, in the best sense, also complain to me that the situation is tough, they share those views with us,” he added.

The leader noted that there are mechanisms to study real-time public opinion, but he insisted that his family and close friends are the most direct way he learns what people think.