On Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel delivered a speech at the intersection of 23rd and 12th in Vedado, Havana. The occasion marked the 65th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution's socialist declaration. While he acknowledged that the regime has made "its own mistakes," he shifted the blame for Cuba's ongoing crisis squarely onto the shoulders of Washington.
"The impacts of decades of blockade and financial persecution are glaringly evident in our homes and industries, in the shortage of goods—even the most essential ones—resulting in a scarcity of almost everything," he stated. "Moreover, the unique Cuban path of social construction has not been without its own mistakes."
Despite this acknowledgment, Diaz-Canel was unequivocal in his attribution of responsibility: "The primary cause of our difficulties is the genocidal blockade imposed by the United States government against our people."
The Reality of Cuban Life
Diaz-Canel painted a stark picture of daily life in Cuba, yet downplayed the government's role in the crisis.
"The Cuban day-to-day is painful, from interrupted sleep due to power outages followed by the return of electricity after long hours, forcing domestic work into the early morning, to the halting of industries, transportation, essential services, and production because we lack fuel for almost everything."
Rejecting the "Failed State" Narrative
Although the crisis has worsened since he took office, Diaz-Canel dismissed the notion of Cuba as a failed state.
"No, to those who manipulate and lie, Cuba is not a failed state. Cuba is a besieged state. It is a state facing multidimensional aggression: economic warfare, heightened blockade, and energy blockade," he declared.
Call for Global Solidarity
The Cuban leader called for a "national and international solidarity movement to spread the truth of Cuba to every corner of the planet," describing the situation as "genocide due to extreme levels of deprivation."
Warning of Potential Military Conflict
Diaz-Canel's speech included a cautionary note about the possibility of armed conflict with the administration of Donald Trump.
"The current moment is extremely challenging and demands that we be ready to face serious threats, including military aggression. We do not desire it, but it is our duty to prepare to prevent it, and if unavoidable, to win it."
This address comes amid the most severe economic and energy crisis since the Special Period of the 1990s. The situation worsened after the Venezuelan oil supply was cut off and Mexican shipments were suspended in January 2026 due to Washington's tariff pressures.
The April 16 event is part of a media offensive by the regime aimed at international audiences. On April 7, Diaz-Canel gave an interview to Newsweek, where he threatened a "guerrilla war" in response to potential U.S. military aggression.
Three days later, he appeared on NBC News' "Meet the Press"—the first Cuban leader to do so since 1959—declaring, "I am not afraid. I am prepared to give my life for the revolution."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis
What are the main factors contributing to Cuba's current crisis?
Cuba's crisis is primarily attributed to the U.S. embargo, internal regime errors, the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies, and the suspension of Mexican oil shipments.
How has the Cuban government responded to claims of being a failed state?
The Cuban government, particularly under Diaz-Canel's leadership, has rejected the label of a failed state, asserting instead that Cuba is a besieged nation facing various forms of aggression.