The recent appeal by Cuba's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, to "restore order in Havana" has sparked a flood of criticism, sarcasm, and frustration among Cubans both at home and abroad. Many view his comments as another attempt to shift responsibility onto the public rather than addressing the clear failures in state management.
In a Facebook post, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) acknowledged the "complex" situation in the capital, attributing it to "severe problems caused by the blockade and negligence." He called upon all "forces committed to the people," including the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), to participate in efforts to clean, control, and "restore order."
"We need to organize things in Havana. Cooperation has been lacking. Agencies, institutions, and party structures must be on the streets fighting for cleanliness," Díaz-Canel stated, noting a shortage of fuel for essential services like garbage collection, water supply, and public transportation.
What was intended as a call for volunteer work and social discipline instead ignited a wave of outrage and sarcasm among citizens. Thousands of comments echoed a central idea: the real disorder lies not in the streets but within the country's administration.
From Garbage to Frustration
Havana's streets have become a visible symbol of national decay. The piles of accumulated waste, persistent stench, endless blackouts, and lack of potable water paint a daily picture of a capital in chaos.
Recent protests and pot-banging demonstrations in neighborhoods like Centro Habana and Regla have added to the turmoil, with residents demanding solutions to prolonged electricity and water outages.
In this context, the presidential call was seen as provocative. "There's no fuel for garbage collection, but there is for deploying troops and political caravans," remarked one internet user.
Others questioned the invocation of the "people's will" while threatening repressive measures against protesters. "First, they militarize neighborhoods, and now they ask for cooperation. You can't rule by fear and expect gratitude."
A Collapsed Capital
Living conditions in Havana have drastically deteriorated in recent months. Power outages lasting over 12 hours daily, water shortages, and overflowing trash have turned several municipalities into health hazards.
Recent rains worsened the crisis: flooded streets, floating containers, and contaminated waters invading homes and porches.
"There are neighborhoods where children play among flies and waste," a resident of Diez de Octubre commented. "The smell is unbearable, there's been no collection for weeks, and diseases are on the rise. Yet all they say is to clean and be conscious."
“It’s Not the Blockade, It’s Negligence”
A recurring critique has been the phrase now circulating on social media as a popular slogan: "It’s not the blockade, it’s negligence." Users accused Díaz-Canel's government of masking inefficiency behind the U.S. embargo, while corruption and state neglect continue to grow.
"They ask us to clean the streets, but they don’t clean the system. They demand order while governing with the most significant institutional disorder in Latin America," noted one comment. "If the people have to do what the state doesn’t, why do ministries, delegates, and state companies exist?"
Many condemned the call for social discipline, which was accompanied by warnings against those who "block roads or interrupt public services" during protests, interpreting it as a criminalization of public discontent.
"First, they leave us without water, electricity, or food, and when we protest, they accuse us of disorder. The real disorder is the one they’ve created," an internet user remarked in response to the leader's post.
“You Can’t Live on Speeches”
Díaz-Canel's call was also criticized for its paternalistic tone. "He asks for empathy and sacrifice, but he doesn’t know what it’s like to go 24 hours without electricity or water to bathe," several users wrote.
Others pointed out the disconnect between official rhetoric and daily life: "They talk about revolutionary morality while the country sinks into misery."
Some messages urged the government to abandon its rhetoric of resistance and accept its failure. "The best way to restore order is by resigning. That would indeed solve the root problem," commented one of the most shared users.
There were also expressions of mockery: "They’re going to create a ‘Revolutionary Trash Brigade’ with the same people who used to form the ‘rapid response brigades’." Another wrote: "Cuba doesn’t need more speeches about cleaning; it needs to clean up the speech."
Among the few who defended the presidential message, some argued that "with unity, everything is possible," but the majority responded with skepticism. "Unity, yes, but not behind those who have led us here," replied another commenter.
“The People No Longer Believe”
The overall tone of the reactions showed a profound weariness. Instead of motivating, the leader's words reignited the perception of a disconnected power lacking solutions.
"We no longer believe in their calls or justifications. Every time they speak, things worsen," was a repeated sentiment in dozens of responses.
For many, the phrase "we need to organize things" was interpreted as an unintended metaphor for a system that has lost control. "There is no order in the economy, health, education, or the streets. And now they want the people to save them from the chaos they themselves created."
Díaz-Canel’s call thus became a barometer of national frustration. More than a call for volunteer work, his words sparked a debate about the legitimacy of a regime that clings to heroic discourses in the face of a crumbling reality.
Amid blackouts, garbage, and despair, the most repeated response sums up the general sentiment: "You can’t live on speeches. If they want to organize something, start by organizing their exit from power."
Questions About Díaz-Canel's Call for Order in Havana
Why did Díaz-Canel call for order in Havana?
Díaz-Canel called for order in Havana due to the "complex" situation in the capital, which he attributed to severe problems caused by the blockade and negligence. He urged cooperation from various forces to address cleanliness and control issues.
How did Cubans react to Díaz-Canel’s message?
Cubans reacted with criticism, sarcasm, and frustration, viewing the message as an attempt to shift responsibility onto the public rather than addressing state management failures.
What are the core issues facing Havana's residents?
Havana's residents face issues such as prolonged power outages, water shortages, and overflowing garbage, which have turned parts of the city into health hazards.
What slogan has emerged among critics of the Cuban government?
A popular slogan among critics is "It’s not the blockade, it’s negligence," highlighting accusations that the government uses the U.S. embargo as an excuse for its inefficiency.