Unexpected Presidential Address Announced, Cubans React with Skepticism

In a surprising move, Cuban state media revealed on Thursday that Miguel Díaz-Canel will make a special address at 10:00 AM, without disclosing the topics to be covered.

"The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, will address national and international media today at 10 AM," stated Cubadebate in a Facebook post. The message added that the address would be broadcast nationally on radio and television, as well as on the Presidency's YouTube channel.

The announcement, made without prior context or explanation, immediately sparked a wave of comments among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Many expressed disbelief, fatigue, and dark humor at what they expect to be yet another speech devoid of solutions.

One user commented, "More of the same with creative resistance," while another joked, "He'll ask for more effort and blame everything on the United States." Most reactions focused on the ongoing power outages affecting much of the country: "How are we supposed to watch this if there's no electricity?" or "Only those with power will see it; six blocks in Havana have been without power since dawn." In a sardonic tone, another user added, "They'll find power for this."

Reactions ranged from mockery to exasperation. "We all know what he'll say: trust, resist creatively, and Cuba will prevail," one woman wrote. Another concluded, "If he's not announcing his resignation, nothing good will come of it." Several messages conveyed skepticism about the address: "It can't be good; they're always giving bad news" or "The only good news would be him leaving and letting the people decide."

Some comments directly reflected daily despair: "I have no power, so I'll find out the bad news from here; I doubt there'll be good news"; "Hopefully, it's to say goodbye"; "He'll just say we need to resist, the usual, and things are getting worse."

Others humorously highlighted the gap between official rhetoric and the country's reality: "The same old blah, blah, blah, all lies; hold onto the brush before they take away the ladder"; "You know, get ready, it's never good"; "He'll announce more sacrifices and blame the U.S."; "More fiscal adjustments, more blackouts, more creative resistance."

On CiberCuba Noticias' Facebook page, reactions followed a similar pattern. "Let's see who can watch it in Cuba because you can't light a TV with firewood," joked one comment. Another wrote, "If he gives a speech on resistance and communism continuity, Trump and Marco Rubio won't need more excuses to oust these people." In the same vein, comments included: "Let's see what he'll ask of the people now," "He'll announce that the country is regressing to the 18th century, but luxury hotel construction will continue," and "If it's not to announce his resignation and the end of communism, he can save the speech."

Several users hinted at the possibility of an unexpected announcement or drastic change, albeit skeptically. "Hopefully, it's to announce his departure," one wrote. "They say what you fear becomes reality, and I'm afraid to wake up to the news," added another. Some even joked about foreign intervention: "It's all over, I talked to Trump yesterday, and he's serious," or "Is he saying goodbye to Cuba, did he get a parole for the U.S.?"

Sarcasm and resignation intertwined in comments like: "Keep resisting, but with creativity, to make it sound better," "His face says it all," "More revolutionary rhetoric," "If he says no, it's yes; if he says no dialogue with the U.S., it's the opposite." A widely shared comment summed up the general sentiment: "At 10 AM, they'll turn on the power, we'll hear the same thing, and when it's over, the blackout will resume."

The unexpected announcement comes amid an escalating economic crisis, widespread blackouts, inflation, food and fuel shortages, and growing international pressure on the regime. Recently, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed to CNN and EFE that there are "exchanges linked to the highest levels of the Cuban government" with the United States, although he ruled out political dialogue. He also admitted that the country is preparing for a "reorganization" process that "will be very difficult for the population."

The announcement of the address occurs in a climate of growing social discontent and political uncertainty, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early January, the tightening of Washington's sanctions, and the loss of traditional regional support for the Cuban regime.

As the time for Díaz-Canel's message approaches, social media remains a barometer of public sentiment. "He'll say difficult times are ahead because the evil empire tightened the blockade and we must get creative," joked one user. Another bluntly summarized: "They live like millionaires at the people's expense," concluding with a mix of irony and resignation: "Get ready, here comes the bomb... for the people, of course."