Cuban Leader Claims Democracy Exists, Blames External Forces for Social Unrest

In a recent interview, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel defended the island's political system, asserting that there is "democracy" in Cuba. He accused external "enemies" and "hate platforms" of attempting to exploit the growing social discontent. The interview was conducted by Brazilian journalist Breno Altman and broadcast from the Palace of the Revolution on the Cuban Presidency's YouTube channel.

According to Díaz-Canel, international media and social networks portray a "virtual Cuba" that doesn't align with the real situation on the island. He downplayed the widespread criticism circulating online and took the opportunity to criticize how protests are handled in the United States.

Controversy Over ETECSA's Internet Price Hike

Addressing the recent student backlash over increased internet rates by ETECSA, Díaz-Canel claimed there was both dialogue and communication, but also an "intense operation" from abroad to amplify the dissatisfaction. "The enemy and hate platforms saw the discontent and sought to capitalize on it, starting with lies and fake news," he asserted, without providing concrete evidence for such campaigns.

His statements contrast sharply with the reality perceived by many Cubans, who have participated in protests, student strikes, and virtual demonstrations against the rising costs of telecommunications services, which many see as an insult amid a severe economic crisis.

Cuban "Democracy" Under the Regime's Definition

During the interview, Diaz-Canel insisted that the island's political system ensures popular participation, despite the absence of legal opposition parties, the persecution of independent media, and frequent suppression of protests by authorities.

These remarks come at a time of heightened tension, characterized by prolonged blackouts, rampant inflation, scattered social protests, and unprecedented migration. The government continues to cling to its internal narrative, relying on traditional arguments about external enemies, media manipulation, and revolutionary unity.

For many Cubans, however, the gap between the "real Cuba" and the "official Cuba" is not due to foreign propaganda but rather the growing disconnect between the leadership and its citizens.

A Rare Moment of Self-Criticism

In a surprising moment of self-reflection, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the current crisis is not solely due to the U.S. embargo but also internal errors by his administration. "It would be dishonest to say mistakes haven't been made. It's impossible not to make mistakes under these pressures," he admitted.

While he maintained that the "criminal blockade" by the United States remains the "fundamental" cause of the crisis—particularly the sanctions imposed during the Trump administration and maintained by Biden—he conceded that internal factors have exacerbated the island's deteriorating conditions.

Among these, he cited the failed "Tarea Ordenamiento" economic reform, the country's import-dependent mindset, the lack of investment in strategic sectors like agriculture and renewable energy, as well as serious issues such as corruption, administrative inefficiency, and the brain drain.

Díaz-Canel identified the two most pressing issues as the energy deficit and food insecurity. The former has led to countless citizen complaints over daily blackouts, which he attributed to outdated thermoelectric plants, a lack of spare parts, and an inability to invest. "The system has a structure with over 40 years of technological obsolescence," he admitted. "We haven't been efficient in managing the limited resources available," he added.

Regarding food, he acknowledged the country's inability to sustain the basic food basket: "We haven't made the necessary investments in agriculture and food production."

The leader also admitted that the "achievements" of the Revolution, such as free healthcare and education, have been affected. He noted that over 70% of essential medications are out of stock, and infant mortality rates, once a hallmark of the system's success, have worsened. "It has affected us significantly. We're not sitting idly by, but the indicators have deteriorated," he noted.

In the education sector, he mentioned issues with equipment, book printing, teachers' loss of purchasing power, and the mass exodus of professionals.

Despite the grim assessment, Díaz-Canel reiterated that the socialist model remains the only viable path for Cuba. "Even if the blockade tightens further, we'll respond with talent, creativity, and innovation," he argued.

However, his statement clashes with the growing dissatisfaction among Cubans on the island and those who have emigrated, who view the official discourse with skepticism after decades of unfulfilled promises.

An Unconvincing Call to Unity

Throughout the interview, Díaz-Canel frequently appealed to the resistance, unity of the people, and the ethical values of the Revolution. Nevertheless, his message is overwhelmed by the reality: an impoverished island, a population burdened by shortages, and an unprecedented exodus.