Lázaro Aguilar Medrano has reached his breaking point. Tired of unfulfilled promises and official neglect, this resident of Havana took a bold stand by occupying Aguiar Street, located between Teniente Rey and Muralla, in the heart of Old Havana. His demand was straightforward: immediate government intervention and a prompt resolution to his housing crisis. "I want the government here, because I've had enough of the lies. I'm done talking to anyone else or filing more paperwork," he proclaimed loudly to the independent outlet CubaNet.
Aguilar emphasizes that he and his family have devoted their lives to hard work, only to feel betrayed by a system he describes as functioning solely for show. His desperation is deeply personal, as his mother is ill and his family lives in dire conditions. "A lifetime of work for nothing, just to witness all this deceit…" he repeats with anger and frustration.
A Public Stand Against Neglect
During his protest, Lázaro specifically called out local officials, demanding the presence of key government and party figures. "This will remain blocked until the government arrives here. I want Lesslie here, the first secretary of the party," he declared, making it clear he would not tolerate any more intermediaries or evasions.
For Lázaro, his neighborhood of Old Havana has deteriorated into what he bluntly calls a "mess," reflecting his disappointment with what he perceives as a moral and physical decline of the area. "I grew up here, was born here, and it wasn't the mess it is now, nor this cowardice," he lamented.
The trigger for his protest seems to be linked to institutional neglect regarding housing, a crisis affecting thousands of Cubans. In Lázaro's case, it has pushed even the most patient individuals to their limits.
This scene is more than an individual protest; it represents a Cuba where institutions appear disconnected from the most pressing needs of its people. It’s a cry that echoes beyond the narrow streets of Old Havana. According to CubaNet, as of the time of publication, no authorities had responded to the protest or made any statements on social media.
Aguilar Medrano's solitary protest adds to a series of neighborhood demonstrations that have also shaken the streets of Old Havana and Centro Habana. On June 24, 2024, residents at the intersection of Egido and Acosta blocked the street with stones and buckets, demanding water after more than ten days without supply. They only dispersed when a water truck, sent by the municipal government under police supervision, arrived.
Days later, on June 29, it was the turn of residents on Reina Street, who obstructed the crossing with Galiano to protest the poor management of water supply. Protesters set up buckets as barricades, blocking bus routes while demanding urgent solutions.
These incidents, although isolated and spontaneous, highlight a growing public frustration with state inefficiency in basic matters such as housing and services.
Public Protests in Cuba: Key Questions and Answers
What led Lázaro Aguilar Medrano to block the street in Old Havana?
Lázaro Aguilar Medrano blocked the street due to frustration with unfulfilled government promises and neglect of his housing situation. He demands immediate attention and resolution from the authorities.
How have other residents in Havana protested recently?
Residents have blocked streets with stones and buckets to protest the lack of essential services like water supply, demanding immediate government action.
What does Lázaro demand from the government?
Lázaro demands the presence of key government figures to address his housing crisis and refuses to communicate with intermediaries.