Díaz-Canel's Key Points: From U.S. Talks to Cuba's Energy Crisis

In a moment of intense pressure on the Cuban regime, Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the state-controlled media on Friday. Among the revelations, he acknowledged that Havana is engaging in discussions with U.S. government representatives, a fact the regime had denied for several weeks.

During his appearance, Díaz-Canel touched on several critical issues, including the ongoing energy crisis, negotiations with Washington, and the current social situation in Cuba, all of which dominate the government's current agenda.

U.S. Talks: A Shift in Cuban Diplomacy

Díaz-Canel confirmed that initial, discreet talks have begun with the United States, aimed at resolving bilateral differences. These discussions are backed by international actors and are based on the principles of equality, sovereignty, and reciprocity. This admission marks a notable shift in the official stance, following weeks of public denials.

Previously, Díaz-Canel himself stated in January that no negotiations were happening, a claim echoed by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío in February.

Energy Crisis: Acknowledging the Severity

The Cuban leader recognized the severe fuel crisis affecting the nation and its direct impact on the national electrical system. The lack of supplies has worsened power outages, disrupting daily life for millions of Cubans.

“Fuel has not entered the country for three months, so we are generating electricity during the day using domestic crude in thermoelectric plants, along with a significant contribution from renewable energy sources,” he stated.

Although he acknowledged that the blackouts are affecting people's quality of life and causing protests, he blamed the energy crisis on the U.S. government. He also confirmed that the country is experiencing a production standstill, limited transportation, and prolonged power cuts lasting more than 30 hours in some areas.

Government's Response to the Crisis

Díaz-Canel attempted to reassure Cubans that the government program is operational. He claimed that in the past month, the system has been sustained by maximizing the use of local crude and gas while accelerating investment in solar farms.

He also mentioned efforts to boost electric mobility and local assembly as part of the official strategy, saying, "Let's do the math, if we've made this progress in a month... imagine what we'll achieve in the coming months!" These alleged achievements, largely invisible to the public, come amid an unrelenting emergency impacting both the economy and the populace.

He expressed regret that some people's response to the crisis was to insult the revolution, the government, and the electrical system, asserting that the blame lies with the "energy blockade" imposed on the country.

Social Protection and Education Amidst Challenges

Díaz-Canel addressed work stoppages due to the fuel shortage, stating the government is prioritizing relocating workers to community projects and maintaining wage protection. In education, he defended the transition to a semi-presential model to ensure the continuation of the academic year.

Amid widespread blackouts, he announced an investment in 400 electric cars, with the first 100 dedicated to transporting dialysis patients nationwide. However, he did not clarify the intended use for the remaining vehicles or how the state plans to keep them operational given the insufficient power generation.

Engagement with the Cuban Diaspora

Looking outward, Díaz-Canel revealed plans to remove obstacles and enable greater participation of the Cuban community abroad in the nation's economic development. He hinted at a more flexible platform for this engagement, free from excessive bureaucracy.

This announcement signals a potential shift towards more openness with a community that the regime has historically treated with political ambivalence.

Managing Donations: A Defense

The Cuban leader defended the country's donation management system, emphasizing its ethical standards and oversight by national and international organizations. He insisted the state does not profit economically from these donations, despite past incidents where donated food was reportedly sold by the government.

He highlighted the involvement of institutions like the Red Cross, the United Nations Development Program, and the World Food Program, as well as contributions from the Mexican government.

Addressing Security Threats

Díaz-Canel claimed a thwarted attempt of "armed infiltration with terrorist aims, funded from the United States." He mentioned ongoing investigations with consular cooperation from the FBI and indicated that the U.S. has shown interest in clarifying the situation.

This accusation aligns with the regime's usual narrative of external threats during periods of internal tension.

International Relations

Despite accusing Washington of orchestrating a diplomatic isolation campaign against Cuba, Díaz-Canel asserted that the island maintains strong ties with various countries worldwide. He compared the current discussions with the U.S. to the diplomatic talks that led to restored relations during Barack Obama's administration.

“This isn't the first time Cuba has engaged in such talks. The most recent example was how Army General Raúl Castro managed discussions with President Obama,” he recalled.

Release of Prisoners

He also mentioned the recent release of 51 individuals as a sovereign and humanitarian decision by the Cuban government. According to him, this action was based on the good conduct of those released, not external pressure.

“It’s a sovereign practice, no one imposes it on us, we decide it sovereignly. It’s not unique; we’ve done it at other times,” he stated, noting that an official note provides details on previous instances of this sovereign practice.

The central takeaway from Díaz-Canel's appearance was his confirmation of ongoing discussions with the United States. After weeks of denials, he admitted to what had become a widespread suspicion within and beyond Cuba. This acknowledgment comes amid a deep economic crisis, prolonged power outages, and signs of wear within the state apparatus. Just days earlier, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero urged regime officials to adopt the government program as a true working tool, reflecting the unease permeating Cuba's bureaucracy.