Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel made his way back to Havana on September 8 after an extensive tour of Asia, asserting his commitment to closely monitoring the ongoing crisis in the nation's power generation. This comes particularly as efforts to restore electricity in the eastern regions, affected by a massive blackout from Las Tunas to Guantánamo, are ongoing.
On Monday morning, Díaz-Canel took to his official social media account to emphasize that the electricity issue was a central topic during his meetings in Vietnam, China, and Laos. In these discussions, he engaged with leaders to foster bilateral cooperation.
The president's return was marred by the tragic news of Carlos Rafael López Ibarra's death. López Ibarra, a young turbine operator at the Renté thermoelectric plant in Santiago de Cuba, succumbed to severe burns from a workplace accident. His passing, coinciding with Díaz-Canel's homecoming, underscores the frailty of Cuba's electrical infrastructure and the human toll resulting from its decline—a situation the current administration has failed to reverse.
Asian Tour: Diplomatic Efforts Amid Domestic Woes
Díaz-Canel's tour kicked off in Vietnam, where he received a symbolic donation of $15 million from the Communist Party as a gesture of solidarity. Subsequently, he attended a military parade in China commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, seated alongside leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un. The trip concluded in Laos, where economic and diplomatic agreements were strengthened, as reported by state media.
His arrival back in Cuba came shortly after the collapse of the National Electric System, which led to power outages across the eastern part of the country. Complete reconnection was achieved by approximately 1:25 a.m. on Monday. Díaz-Canel lauded the efforts of the Union Eléctrica workers in this challenging process.
Criticism of the Asian Tour amidst Domestic Crisis
However, the trip faced backlash from critics and activists, who labeled it as an attempt to sidestep the nation's internal crises. These include enduring power outages, shortages of food and medicine, and escalating social unrest.
FAQs on Cuba's Power Crisis and Leadership
What caused the recent power outages in eastern Cuba?
The outages were a result of the collapse of the National Electric System, affecting regions from Las Tunas to Guantánamo.
How did Díaz-Canel address the power crisis during his Asian tour?
Díaz-Canel discussed the issue as a priority during his meetings with leaders in Vietnam, China, and Laos, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Why did activists criticize Díaz-Canel's tour?
Activists criticized the tour as an attempt to avoid addressing Cuba's internal challenges, such as prolonged blackouts and shortages of essential goods.