Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of La France Insoumise (LFI) and a presidential contender for the 2027 French elections, voiced strong criticism on Thursday, taking to X to express his disapproval of France's lack of support for Cuba. He accused the French government of inaction driven by a "fear of Trump."
In his post, Mélenchon characterized Cuba as being "besieged, tormented, and now directly threatened by potential U.S. military intervention." He cited a specific instance involving French technology, where spare parts for a power plant on the island are being withheld by the shipping company CMA CGM, managed by the Saadé family, despite France's earlier commitment to deliver them.
"No French aid. Fear of Trump. The spare parts for the French power plant installed there remain in containers that CMA CGM of Saadé refuses to release. Yet, France had given its word," the French politician stated.
Research suggests Mélenchon was referring to the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas, the largest electricity generating unit in Cuba. Constructed in the 1980s with technology from the French company Alsthom (now Alstom), the plant relies on specialized components, making repairs increasingly challenging over the years.
CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping company, halted cargo bookings to and from Cuba "until further notice" between May 14 and 18, alongside Hapag-Lloyd. According to Reuters, this action could impact up to 60% of the island's maritime traffic.
Energy Crisis and U.S. Sanctions
The shipping companies' decision followed Donald Trump's signing of Executive Order 14404 on May 1, which expanded sanctions against Cuba, increasing the risk of secondary sanctions for foreign companies dealing with GAESA, the Cuban military conglomerate. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) set a June 5 deadline for these companies to sever ties with GAESA.
The energy issues underlying Mélenchon's complaint are significant. Cuba is grappling with a structural electrical crisis, which led to generation deficits exceeding 2,000 MW in December 2025, causing power outages lasting over twenty hours a day in some areas. Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that the blackouts would persist into 2026.
Since General Electric's acquisition of the French company Alstom in 2015, Cuba has lost access to French credits for maintaining its thermoelectric plants, as noted by Cuban official Roberto Morales Ojeda. The situation with the spare parts held by CMA CGM exemplifies how U.S. pressure now extends to prior commitments from third countries.
Political Ramifications and Historical Context
Mélenchon's statement comes at a time of heightened tension. Trump remarked on Wednesday that he saw no need for escalation, claiming Cuba was "falling apart." Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez had previously labeled the U.S. president's comments on "taking control" of the island as a "clear and direct threat of military aggression."
Mélenchon's stance on Cuba is not new. LFI has a long-standing history of supporting the Cuban government and opposing the U.S. embargo. In March, party member Emma Fourreau announced her trip to Cuba with the "Nuestra América" flotilla to, in her words, "break the U.S. blockade."
Mélenchon declared his fourth presidential bid on May 3, positioning his remarks on Cuba as a high-profile move in the midst of campaigning, with just over a year until the 2027 French elections.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
Why did CMA CGM stop shipping to and from Cuba?
CMA CGM suspended its cargo bookings with Cuba due to heightened risks of secondary sanctions following the expansion of U.S. sanctions against Cuba under Executive Order 14404 signed by Donald Trump.
What is the significance of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant is the largest electricity generating unit in Cuba, constructed with French technology. It relies on specialized components, making maintenance increasingly difficult, especially under current sanctions and political tensions.
How have U.S. sanctions affected Cuba's energy sector?
U.S. sanctions have exacerbated Cuba's existing energy crisis by limiting access to necessary maintenance and repair parts for its energy infrastructure, contributing to prolonged power outages and generation deficits.