Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel laid the blame squarely on the United States for the severe energy crisis gripping the island during a televised address on Friday. He condemned the citizen protests that have erupted due to the persistent power outages, as broadcasted by state media.
The official television coverage featured Díaz-Canel's interaction with the press, which was previously announced by regime-controlled outlets. The discussion focused on the state of the National Electro-energy System and the growing public unrest caused by the extended blackouts.
Defending his administration's handling of the energy crisis, Díaz-Canel stated that the blackouts are not a result of any deliberate state policy. "We haven't received fuel for three months, so we are producing energy with national crude, thermal power plants, and contributions from renewable energy sources," he explained.
The Cuban leader praised the efforts of the electrical sector workers and dismissed criticisms of the system’s performance. "Nothing is turned off here with the intent to annoy anyone. I can't find words to describe the effort of the Electric Union workers. They are titans," he declared.
Despite the regime's insistence on external factors as the cause of the crisis, millions of Cubans endure daily outages lasting over 12 hours, sparking spontaneous protests throughout the country in recent weeks.
Díaz-Canel acknowledged the significant impact of the power cuts on the public's morale. "The blackouts affect the population's irritability and distress," he admitted.
Nevertheless, he refuted any notion that the government or the existing political system is responsible for the collapse of the electrical system. "The government is not at fault, the Revolution is not at fault, the National Electro-energy System is not at fault. The blame lies with the energy blockade imposed on us by the United States," he asserted.
During his address, Díaz-Canel also responded to those labeling Cuba as a "failed state." He challenged, "Are we a failed state? Does a failed state confront all these issues and strive to resolve and advance?"
Attempting to cast an optimistic light on the country's situation, he added, "Beautiful things happen in this country every day."
His remarks come amidst escalating social tension due to the blackouts, the deterioration of thermal power plants, fuel shortages, and the deep economic crisis affecting the island.
In various provinces, including on social media, citizens have taken to the streets during the nighttime outages, demanding electricity and questioning the regime's inability to provide basic services after more than 60 years in power.
Nonetheless, the official narrative continues to solely blame the United States, sidestepping the long-term effects of mismanagement, lack of investment, and structural decay in Cuba's energy infrastructure.
Insights on Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the severe energy crisis in Cuba?
The severe energy crisis in Cuba is attributed to a combination of fuel shortages, reliance on aging thermal power plants, and a lack of investment in energy infrastructure. The government blames U.S. sanctions for exacerbating these issues.
How are citizens responding to the prolonged power outages?
Citizens across Cuba have been protesting during the nighttime blackouts, demanding electricity and expressing frustration with the government's inability to provide essential services.
What is the Cuban government's response to the protests?
The Cuban government, led by Díaz-Canel, has acknowledged the public's frustration but maintains that the energy crisis is primarily due to U.S. sanctions, denying any policy missteps on their part.