During his first interview with a U.S. television network, Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly dismissed the notion of stepping down from power. Speaking with NBC News in Havana, he appeared visibly irritated as he addressed the hardships faced by Cubans enduring up to 22-hour power outages, coupled with an economy that has shrunk by 23% since 2019.
Kristen Welker, the host of Meet the Press, posed a direct question: would Díaz-Canel consider resigning to help save his country? His response was unequivocal: "Resignation is not part of our vocabulary."
The Cuban leader, noticeably agitated, retorted by questioning whether such inquiries were directed at Trump, hinting that the question might have originated from the U.S. State Department.
Defending the Indefensible
Díaz-Canel staunchly defended Cuba's single-party political system, portraying it as a full democracy: "In Cuba, those in leadership positions are not elected by the U.S. government nor do they depend on its mandate. We have a free and sovereign state, enjoying self-determination and independence."
However, this narrative omits the grim reality for millions of Cubans. Since February 18, the island has suffered persistent blackouts lasting up to 22 hours, with power deficits nearing 1,800 megawatts.
Energy Crisis and Economic Decline
The National Electric System completely collapsed on March 16 for 29 hours and 29 minutes, and again on March 22, affecting over 90% of Havana. Between April 5 and 8, blackouts approached 22 hours once more, with the Guiteras power plant offline.
The only respite arrived on March 31 when the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin docked in Matanzas with 730,000 barrels of crude oil—the first significant delivery in over three months, barely enough to meet nine or ten days of demand.
Meanwhile, Cuba's economy has contracted by 23% since 2019, as noted by independent economists. The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts a further 7.2% decline by 2026.
International Pressure Mounts
Cuba’s per capita GDP was a mere $1,082 in 2025, starkly contrasting with the regional average of $10,212. According to CEPAL, Cuba and Haiti are the only Latin American nations experiencing economic contraction in 2025.
Díaz-Canel blames the ongoing disaster on the over fifty-year-long U.S. embargo. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuted this on March 27: "There is no naval blockade around Cuba," he stated, adding that Cuba lacks fuel "because they want it for free and people don't give away oil."
The NBC News interview is part of a media campaign by the regime to counter international pressure, as the Trump administration has labeled Cuba a "failed nation" and suggested a potential "takeover, friendly or not."
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal confirmed this week that talks with Washington to ease tensions are in a "very preliminary" phase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Current Crisis
What is causing the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing frequent blackouts due to a failing National Electric System and a significant power deficit, worsened by the lack of fuel and operational issues at key power plants.
How has Cuba's economy been performing recently?
Since 2019, Cuba's economy has contracted by 23%, with further declines expected. The per capita GDP remains significantly lower than the regional average, with only Haiti sharing a similar economic contraction in Latin America.
What impact does the U.S. embargo have on Cuba?
While Díaz-Canel attributes Cuba's hardships to the U.S. embargo, critics argue that internal mismanagement and a lack of self-sufficiency are more significant factors contributing to the country's current crisis.