The head of press for Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, Leticia Martínez Hernández, stepped forward on Tuesday to defend government-aligned journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet. This comes after a snippet from one of Rodríguez's interviews went viral, sparking widespread criticism for downplaying the power outages that plague the Cuban populace.
In a social media post, Martínez expressed her support: “My embrace to Arleen; those who criticize her today can't even measure up to her ankles.” She praised the Mesa Redonda host for "putting her face to many battles for Cuba" and for being one of the "most beloved" figures of the president.
Martínez even referenced the blackouts themselves, highlighting Rodríguez's endurance: “If they knew the hours of blackout you endure in that block four… they neither know nor feel you. But we do.”
A Controversy Ignited by a Single Comment
The uproar arose from a segment of the program "Conversa con Correa," aired by RT en Español last November, where Rodríguez interviewed former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa.
During a discussion on Cuba's energy crisis, Rodríguez attempted to downplay the blackouts by stating, “José Martí never knew electric light and was a genius… I wish I could write a line like Martí with the lights on.”
Correa's immediate response was one of disbelief: “But Arleen, we're in the 21st century.” His reaction, marked by surprise and irony, underscored the stark contrast between official rhetoric and the harsh reality faced by millions of Cubans daily.
Amidst an Escalating Energy Crisis
The video re-emerged this week during a particularly severe energy collapse in Cuba, where some provinces endure power outages exceeding 40 consecutive hours. These blackouts disrupt food preservation, hospital operations, and daily life.
Far from being an isolated remark, Rodríguez Derivet's words were seen by many as emblematic of the regime's disconnect from the real suffering of its citizens.
A Regime Shielding Its Spokespeople
Leticia Martínez's public defense confirms the regime's unwavering support for its media figures, even when their statements provoke widespread public outrage.
As the nation grapples with relentless blackouts, inflation, scarcity, and a healthcare crisis, the government continues to justify the chaos with historical references, grandiose speeches, and calls for sacrifice, rather than providing tangible solutions.
For many Cubans, the Martí comment was more than just unfortunate; it was a perfect symbol of a regime that seeks to normalize hardship as fate.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis and Government Response
What sparked the controversy around Arleen Rodríguez's comments?
The controversy was ignited by Rodríguez's attempt to downplay the Cuban power outages by comparing them to the era of José Martí, which many saw as a disconnect from the current hardships faced by citizens.
How has the Cuban government responded to the backlash?
The government has shown strong support for its media representatives, with officials like Leticia Martínez publicly defending Rodríguez, despite the public's disapproval of her comments.
What is the current state of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing one of its worst energy collapses, with some regions facing blackouts lasting more than 40 hours, severely impacting daily life and essential services.