Cuba's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, appeared in military garb on Saturday, just a day after large-scale protests erupted in Bayamo and Cienfuegos. These demonstrations voiced public outrage over continuous power outages and severe food shortages. The Cuban Presidency's social media accounts shared photos of Díaz-Canel during the Meteoro 2025 exercise, an event typically held by the government to "review" disaster risk reduction measures, as well as the deployment of rescue and salvage resources.
Despite not holding any military rank, the images prominently featured Díaz-Canel in olive green attire. His military appearance coincidentally comes amidst heightened public dissatisfaction. This is not the first time Díaz-Canel has donned a military uniform during periods of unrest, as he has previously used such attire to project an image of "control" and to threaten the population during protests.
The Cuban leader was shown in an advanced mobile communications center, responsible for information processing and concealment, alongside the chief of the MINFAR Engineering Directorate. This follows the protests that broke out in the early hours of Friday, May 24, in several Cuban cities, including Bayamo, Cienfuegos, and Ciego de Ávila. These demonstrations, driven by prolonged blackouts and critical shortages, were documented in videos circulating on social media.
The recent protests are part of a growing wave of demonstrations in eastern Cuba, with recent events reported in cities like Santiago de Cuba. Residents from neighborhoods such as Micro 9 have taken to the streets, demanding improved living conditions. The chants of "We want food!" and "Down with the dictatorship!" have become common in the video footage shared online.
In response to these events, Díaz-Canel has labeled the young Cubans leading these peaceful demonstrations as "antisocials," resorting to the stigmatizing and repressive language historically used by the regime to discredit any form of protest. He has justified the crackdown on protests by labeling them as "criminal acts" instigated by "imperialism," claiming that the protesters stray from Martí's ideals and need to be "reformed." These statements are used to rationalize the use of force and to delegitimize public discontent.
Key Questions About Recent Protests in Cuba
What prompted the recent protests in Bayamo and Cienfuegos?
The recent protests were driven by continuous power outages and severe food shortages, sparking widespread public outrage.
Why did Díaz-Canel wear military attire?
Díaz-Canel's choice to wear military attire is seen as a tactic to project control and authority, especially in times of public unrest and protests.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The government has labeled the protests as "criminal acts" and used stigmatizing language to discredit demonstrators, justifying the use of force against them.
What are common chants heard during the protests?
Protesters have been heard chanting "We want food!" and "Down with the dictatorship!" as they demand better living conditions.