In a video message presented at the 30th International Seminar "Parties and a New Society," hosted by Mexico's Labor Party, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned U.S. policies toward Cuba.
Through his remarks, Díaz-Canel labeled the U.S. actions against Cuba as "criminal, fascist, and hostile," arguing that the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration violate the human rights of the Cuban people. He also warned that these measures serve as a cautionary tale for other countries in the region.
"The blockade is indeed a persistent and genuine threat to the livelihood and rights of the Cuban people," he asserted. "It endangers peace, stability, and security across the region and poses a risk to any sovereign nation that might face similar aggressive and extraterritorial measures in the future."
The Cuban leader devoted much of his speech to criticizing two executive orders signed by the Trump administration in 2026. The first, dated January 29, labeled Cuba as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security. The second, on May 1, imposed secondary sanctions with extraterritorial reach, affecting foreign businesses in strategic sectors of the Cuban economy.
"For the current U.S. government, a more than 60-year-long economic, commercial, and financial blockade, along with hundreds of unilateral and extraterritorial coercive measures, is not enough," Díaz-Canel stated.
A key part of his speech addressed the island's energy crisis. "The tightening of the energy blockade has extended beyond borders, and despite numerous efforts, it has been nine months since a fuel ship docked at our ports," he explained.
He described the repercussions of this situation: "This has led to increased power outages, severely affecting the normal operation of hospitals and all institutions within the healthcare system, while also impacting water supply, transportation, and food production and preservation."
As a counterbalance to the crisis, the leader highlighted progress in solar energy: "Cuba now generates 21.4% of its electricity from renewable sources," with 1,418 MW installed across 144 photovoltaic parks, aiming to exceed 1,500 MW before the year's end.
Unprecedented Electrical Crisis Looms
Despite these efforts, Cuba has faced at least eight complete collapses of the National Electrical System in 2026 alone, with power cuts lasting up to twenty hours in some provinces and generation deficits surpassing 2,000 MW.
The regime's 176 economic measures have failed to produce noticeable results. Inflation continues to rise, leaving many families struggling to provide daily meals.
Political repression has forced many Cubans to flee the island to avoid imprisonment for dissenting views. In June, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for individual sanctions against Díaz-Canel and demanding the release of over 1,300 political prisoners, as reported by human rights organizations in Cuba.
Concluding his address, Díaz-Canel quoted Fidel Castro—on the centenary of his birth—and echoed the rallying cry "Homeland or Death."
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What are the main criticisms of U.S. sanctions against Cuba by Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel criticizes U.S. sanctions as violating human rights and serving as a warning for other countries, labeling them as "criminal, fascist, and hostile."
How have U.S. sanctions impacted Cuba's energy situation?
Sanctions have led to a severe energy crisis, with increased power outages affecting hospitals, water supply, transportation, and food production.
What progress has Cuba made in renewable energy?
Cuba now generates 21.4% of its electricity from renewable sources, with 1,418 MW installed in 144 photovoltaic parks.