Roberto Morales Ojeda, a key figure in the Communist Party of Cuba, has pointed to the United States' "energy blockade" as the reason for the worsening electric crisis in Cuba.
In a statement on X this past Saturday, Morales Ojeda acknowledged that public frustration over power outages is "understandable," but he emphasized that "violence, vandalism, and disorder cannot be tolerated."
His remarks came in the wake of a protest in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, which heightened tensions in the region.
According to Morales Ojeda, the lack of fuel, exacerbated by the so-called "energy blockade," has significantly disrupted the National Electric System, leading to more frequent power outages.
While acknowledging the public's discontent, Morales Ojeda dismissed any form of response that resorts to violence or chaos, stating that such actions lack legitimacy.
"In Cuba, adherence to the law, respect for institutions, and civility will prevail," he asserted.
The statement followed a night of protests and heightened tensions in Morón, where social media was flooded with videos of citizens marching, banging pots, and chanting against the government.
The demonstrations highlighted the growing social unrest fueled by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and deteriorating living conditions.
Protests escalated into incidents near the Communist Party's municipal headquarters, where a fire broke out and property was damaged.
A particularly shocking moment was captured on video, showing a young man falling injured after a gunshot was heard near the party building.
In the footage, several protesters helped the young man and transported him on a motorcycle to a hospital.
Reports on social media claim that the youth was shot by a police officer, with some suggesting he might be a minor. However, official media denied any shooting at protesters, stating the injury resulted from a fall. The conflicting accounts remain unverified by independent sources.
"Grievances are legitimate" In parallel to Morales Ojeda's message, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel also commented on the Morón events this Saturday.
On X, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the legitimacy of grievances if expressed with "civility" and "respect for public order." He also blamed the U.S. "energy blockade" for the persistent blackouts and warned that there would be no leniency for those engaging in violence or vandalism.
The official narrative aims to portray the incidents as isolated disturbances by a small group manipulated from abroad. In line with this, state media reported the detention of five individuals.
Meanwhile, government-affiliated accounts shared videos of empty streets in Morón during the early morning, claiming the city was in "complete tranquility."
Thus, Morales Ojeda's comments fit into the regime's broader political response to the Morón protests: blaming the U.S. and fuel shortages for the worsening electric crisis while drawing a clear line against any protest expressions deemed violent, disorderly, or vandalistic.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the "energy blockade" mentioned by Morales Ojeda?
The "energy blockade" refers to the U.S. sanctions that restrict Cuba's access to fuel and energy resources, which the Cuban government claims is contributing to the island's electric crisis.
How did the protests in Morón escalate?
The protests in Morón escalated due to increasing public discontent over prolonged power outages, food shortages, and deteriorating living conditions, leading to public demonstrations and incidents near the Communist Party's headquarters.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the protests?
The Cuban government has blamed U.S. sanctions for the energy crisis while condemning any form of protest that involves violence or disorder, emphasizing the need for civility and adherence to law.