The University of Havana's Psychology Department has made a bold move by calling for significant changes. In a statement released this Thursday, the Council of the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) demanded the immediate removal of the organization's national president, Ricardo Rodríguez González. He has been accused of turning his back on the student body to favor the Cuban regime, particularly following his stance on the controversial rate hikes announced by the state-owned company, ETECSA.
The declaration from the Psychology FEU criticizes the lack of true representation by Rodríguez and other university leaders, among them Hugo A. Fuentes and Daniel A. Corrales, who serve as president and vice president of the FEU at UH. The faculty is calling for a public forum with student representatives from all faculties to discuss whether these current leaders should continue in their roles.
The Core Issue: Official Defense of the "Rate Hikes"
The controversy intensified after Rodríguez González appeared on the government-backed program Mesa Redonda, where he blamed "enemies of the revolution" for exploiting the student unrest caused by ETECSA's new mobile phone tariffs. Despite widespread protests from various faculties across the country, the student leader defended the rate hikes, framing them as part of a "respectful dialogue" with the government and authorities.
"Something we expected has happened," he stated, "the enemies of the revolution have distorted the concerns that have surfaced in the university community to incite confrontation." His comments were seen as a betrayal of the genuine concerns of students, who are increasingly struggling to access the internet, an essential tool for higher education, research, and communication with faculty and peers.
ETCSA's Move: Internet Costs in Cuba Rise
On May 30, ETECSA announced new restrictions limiting recharges in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days. They also introduced data plans in US dollars (USD), available only through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet. In response to social pressure, ETECSA unveiled a new "benefit" on June 2, exclusively for university students: the option to purchase an additional 6 GB package for another 360 CUP, totaling 12 GB for 720 CUP per month. However, this measure did not reverse the limitation on national currency recharges nor eliminate the exclusionary nature of the new model.
ETCSA President Tania Velázquez announced that over 40 educational sites would be accessible at no cost and that scientific journals would be hosted on the company's servers. Nonetheless, her statements failed to quell the growing discontent among students and cultural sectors alike.
The Psychology Department is not standing alone. Previously, the faculties of Philosophy, History, Communication, Economics, Mathematics, Chemistry, InSTEC, and ISRI had publicly denounced the negative impact of the new tariffs. The Asociación Hermanos Saíz (AHS), which represents young Cuban artists, also voiced concerns about the rate hikes' effects on cultural access, connectivity, and content circulation.
On June 3, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work (FEU-FHS) at UH issued an unprecedented statement demanding the immediate resignation of the national FEU president, arguing that he has failed to represent the students' interests during the ongoing crisis. Similarly, students from the UH Faculty of Biology distanced themselves from Rodríguez González and supported the protests against ETECSA's imposed tariffs.
Understanding the Student Protest and ETECSA's Tariffs
Why is the University of Havana's Psychology Department demanding the resignation of the FEU president?
The Psychology Department at the University of Havana is calling for the resignation of the FEU president because they believe he has abandoned the student body in favor of the Cuban regime, particularly in light of his stance on the unpopular rate hikes by ETECSA.
What impact have ETECSA's new tariffs had on Cuban students?
The new tariffs by ETECSA have made internet access more expensive and challenging for Cuban students, hindering their ability to engage in higher education, conduct research, and communicate effectively with peers and faculty.
How has the student community reacted to the FEU president's stance on the rate hikes?
The student community has reacted with significant criticism and disapproval, viewing the FEU president's defense of the rate hikes as a betrayal of their interests and an alignment with the regime's policies.