In what appears to be a disconnect from the struggles of his people, Miguel Díaz-Canel responded to the fifth massive blackout in less than a year, the second in 2025, with a social media message of “encouragement” and “support.” His words seemed more like empty rhetoric than genuine empathy towards the affected Cubans.
On his post on X, he stated: “After a night of hard work by specialists from MINEM and UNE, the reconnection of the National Electric System (SEN) is progressing. Over 1,000 MW are being generated, and most provinces are now connected. Today will be decisive. We remain standing and fighting.”
The country endured more than 24 hours in near-total darkness following the collapse of the SEN on Wednesday morning. Many citizens were left wondering about the whereabouts of Cuba’s “popular” president during this crisis.
Even after the majority of territories were "reconnected," the population continues to endure blackouts, sometimes lasting over 16 hours. This raises the question of what Díaz-Canel truly means by “standing and fighting.”
It is hardly surprising that as the people awoke—those who managed to sleep at all—in the middle of darkness, Díaz-Canel surfaced hours after the SEN collapse with a message of “encouragement” on social media, consistent with his habit of commenting from afar.
“Hard work is underway,” the dictator declared on X, also cynically mentioning, “Each province is taking its measures, as we know how to do. Information to our people has improved.”
In fact, his words are backed by a harsh reality: Cuba has experienced five massive blackouts in less than a year, with two occurring in 2025. Meanwhile, the regime has deployed Manuel Marrero, Cuba’s Prime Minister, to face the worsening energy crisis.
Nevertheless, Marrero, in a similarly triumphant tone, stated on Thursday on X: “With the expertise and extraordinary effort of the electrical workers, the recovery of SEN is advancing.” It’s a pity that the same expertise isn’t applied to prevent these massive system failures.
“More than 1,000 MW are now being generated, and there are two systems: one from Mariel to the Guiteras and another from Matanzas to Holguín. Work is underway to reach the entire country,” the communist leader announced early on.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the recent nationwide blackout in Cuba?
The recent nationwide blackout in Cuba was caused by the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), which left the country in near-total darkness for over 24 hours.
How is the Cuban government addressing the blackouts?
The Cuban government claims to be working hard to reconnect the National Electric System, generating over 1,000 MW and connecting most provinces. However, ongoing blackouts continue to affect the population.
What has been the public reaction to Díaz-Canel's response?
Many Cubans question Díaz-Canel's response, viewing it as disconnected from their struggles and more focused on rhetoric than on providing tangible solutions to the ongoing energy crisis.