The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) found itself at the center of a storm of outrage after a Facebook post aimed at honoring Fidel Castro amidst the nation's severe energy crisis. The post, which included a quote from Miguel Díaz-Canel urging people to "think of Fidel and his ideas" to maintain his legacy, was perceived by many as a provocation.
Numerous users, who endure persistent blackouts in Cuba, responded with frustration to the UNE's message. One user expressed the collective exasperation by saying, "Stick to reporting megawatts, thermoelectric plants, and solar parks. We Cubans don't want to hear about Fidel, Díaz-Canel, or the party. They are the ones who have kept us in misery. They remain in power simply because we can't remove them."
Some comments were even more blunt: "I curse him, his descendants, and all of you." Others sarcastically praised the current leader: "Great idea, Diazca. Perfect. When Cubans are left in the dark, they should think of Fidel Castro and his entire lineage. That's the least comfort we can get during hours of blackout."
The discontent with the state-run company goes beyond the lack of electricity. Many Cubans feel the UNE's post mocks the country's situation. "After more than 24 hours without power and seeing this, all I can say is I curse you," commented one user. "What we need is electricity. We're fed up with these blackouts, and the little food we buy at high prices spoils," added another, capturing the daily reality of scarcity and frustration.
Some pointed out the disconnect between official rhetoric and reality: "We'll talk about electricity later," a young man quipped. Another sarcastically remarked, "This must be about perpetuating the energy disasters." Several questioned the use of Fidel Castro's legacy to justify the current situation. "He's the architect of Cuba's misery," noted an online commenter.
Others accused the government of perpetuating blackouts and inequality: "Of course, since they think of Fidel, it's logical they leave the people without electricity." Instead of providing technical explanations or concrete solutions, the UNE has opted for silence, allowing the public's raw, genuine, and frustrated voices to speak for themselves in the comments.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis
Why did the UNE's post about Fidel Castro cause such backlash?
The post was seen as tone-deaf and provocative, given the ongoing energy crisis and widespread blackouts. Many Cubans feel the government uses Fidel Castro's legacy to justify current hardships.
What are the main issues with the Cuban energy supply?
Cuba faces frequent blackouts due to outdated infrastructure, insufficient power generation, and economic challenges, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the population.
How have Cubans reacted to the ongoing power outages?
Cubans have expressed frustration and anger, often using social media to criticize the government and the UNE for failing to address the persistent energy problems.