Lis Cuesta, the wife of Cuban leader Díaz-Canel, alongside Yadira Ramírez Morera, partner of Prime Minister Marrero Cruz, appeared cheerful and at ease during a gala held Saturday night in Ciego de Ávila to commemorate July 26th. Their presence at formal events and international tours, marked by smiles and apparent nonchalance, starkly contrasts with the struggles of countless Cuban women enduring power outages and shortages for months.
During the July 26th events, Lis Cuesta was seen in elegant attire with a jovial demeanor, extensively covered by state media. Meanwhile, millions of Cuban mothers face daily power cuts lasting between six and 12 hours, compounded by food shortages and unreliable public services.
At the same time, Yadira Ramírez Morera accompanied Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on an official visit to the Republic of Congo, where she engaged in social activities reminiscent of a "second lady." During this trip, Ramírez made headlines by distributing food and medicine at local institutions, an act many perceived as a propagandistic display while communities in Cuba endure severe hardships.
Lis Cuesta has been portrayed by independent media as a symbol of an elite disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens. Images from galas and international events circulate alongside public criticism of her privileges, highlighting the stark contrast as the population suffers from frequent power outages and energy shortages.
While these figures linked to power enjoy social events and diplomatic travels, thousands of Cuban mothers face an ongoing crisis. Widespread power outages, especially since 2024, have left residents without electricity for 6 to 18 hours daily, impacting essential activities such as cooking, hygiene, and childcare.
Citizen protests and discontent have intensified, driven by the persistent blackouts, scarcity of resources, and the perception of excessive privileges enjoyed by the political elite.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Political Dynamics
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to an outdated and underfunded energy infrastructure, exacerbated by economic mismanagement and insufficient investment in energy production.
How have Cuban citizens responded to the energy crisis?
Cuban citizens have increasingly expressed their frustration through protests and public demonstrations, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the crisis.
What role does the political elite play in Cuba's current situation?
The political elite in Cuba is often criticized for their perceived disconnect from the struggles of ordinary citizens, as they continue to enjoy privileges while the population endures widespread shortages and power outages.