Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and former spy for the Cuban regime, ignited a wave of anger among Cubans both on the island and abroad with a recent post on his X account. On Saturday, he shared a photo of the National Capitol Building in Havana, captioned "Beautiful Havana."
The post, which included the hashtags #CDRCuba and #CubaNoSeRinde, also claimed that the city is "off-limits to U.S. citizens due to their government's 'embargo' on #Cuba," in a propagandistic message that backfired spectacularly.
The picture features the recently restored golden dome of the Capitol, home to the National Assembly, set against a clear blue sky. This picturesque scene starkly contrasts with the harsh reality faced daily by thousands of Havana residents.
The Harsh Reality Behind Havana's Facade
As Hernández praises the capital's architecture, Havana is enduring an unprecedented crisis: frequent power outages lasting over 15 hours a day, continuous residential building collapses, transportation breakdowns, and severe shortages of food and medicine.
Cubans were quick to highlight the vast gap between the postcard image of the Capitol and the everyday reality of a city in disrepair, where electricity is a luxury and buildings crumble.
"Oh sure, the Americans must be so envious," one Cuban sarcastically commented.
"It seems Havana isn't very appealing, considering the hundreds of thousands who have left to live elsewhere," remarked another.
Structural Decay and Official Acknowledgment
In January, two buildings partially collapsed in Old Havana within 24 hours, on Muralla and Teniente Rey streets. By March, authorities had demolished the building of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) in Central Havana, constructed in 1860, after years of neglect.
Officially, the Communist Party acknowledged in January the collapse of basic services, housing, and infrastructure in the capital. During Holy Week, Old Havana's streets were eerily empty, reminiscent of the pandemic's worst days.
"Everything is at a standstill here," described a source quoted by Infobae earlier this month, depicting the dire situation in the capital.
Tourism Decline and Propaganda Misfires
Tourism, one of the few sectors the regime showcases, saw a 30% drop in the first two months of 2026 compared to the previous year, with 112,642 fewer visitors in January and February.
Hernández's post follows a pattern where each propagandistic message only amplifies public discontent. Recently, he shared an image of a Cuban sleeping on cardboard in Miami to criticize capitalism, joined smear campaigns against independent artists, and posed with a Soviet PKM machine gun, declaring, "Our people desire peace but will not be surprised by war."
The regime uses restored monuments like the Capitol as showcases while the population lives without electricity, water, and in dilapidated buildings—a direct result of 67 years of communist dictatorship that has left the Cuban capital in its worst state in decades.
Understanding the Impacts of Havana's Crisis
What is the current situation in Havana?
Havana is currently facing extensive power outages, building collapses, and severe shortages of essential goods like food and medication.
How did Gerardo Hernández's post affect public sentiment?
His post sparked outrage as it highlighted the stark contrast between the government's propaganda and the harsh realities faced by citizens.
Why is tourism declining in Cuba?
Tourism has declined due to various factors, including the economic crisis, deteriorating infrastructure, and global perceptions of instability in Cuba.