Selene Perdomo Chacón, a Cuban theater director and artist based in Barcelona, declared on Saturday that "eventually, the victims of communism will need to be compensated," emphasizing that "many individuals have lost parts of their lives and families due to the communists, who must take responsibility at some point."
Perdomo made this statement during a live interview with journalist Tania Costa from CiberCuba, aired on the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence. During the discussion, she also examined recent remarks by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to the Puerto Rican newspaper, Claridad.
When questioned about the protests sweeping the island, Díaz-Canel responded with a comment that sparked widespread disapproval among the diaspora. He suggested, "Bang those pots at the Northern neighbors, as they are the ones keeping us in the dark," blaming the energy crisis solely on the U.S. embargo rather than acknowledging any responsibility of the regime.
Perdomo swiftly countered this narrative, stating, "That argument is sinking fast; no one believes it anymore, yet they persist with it. They're out of resources, unable to concoct anything new, stuck at a dead end."
Adding a touch of irony, the Havana-born artist commented, "Honestly, I think there's not even garlic in Cuba right now, and I can't understand how, without garlic, their rhetoric repeats more than garlic itself."
Energy Crisis and Public Discontent
The energy crisis that Díaz-Canel attributes to the embargo is backed by hard numbers: the electricity generation shortfall exceeds 2,000 MW, with 11 thermoelectric units offline this Saturday, leading to blackouts lasting up to 23 hours daily in certain parts of the country.
This exhaustion of the regime is also evident in the streets, with 107 protests reported across Cuba in June, Havana being the epicenter. Since March, over 1,300 pot-banging protests have been recorded nationwide.
Political Communication and Opposition
In this context, Perdomo also contemplated the political messaging of those opposing communism, referencing statements by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele on the necessity for non-leftist leaders to enhance their communication strategies.
"We're no longer in the cycle of ideologies but rather concrete actions," Perdomo paraphrased Bukele, adding that the right is "very pragmatic and focused on A plus 1 plus 2 equals 3, but they need to find other methods to convey the message."
Concerning the broader communist threat, Perdomo was unequivocal: "We cannot ignore the danger and threat of communism," tying this warning to a speech given by former U.S. President Donald Trump on the Fourth of July, reaffirming his commitment to this struggle.
In May, the European Parliament recorded an unprecedented number of 1,281 political prisoners in Cuba, incarcerated for opposing the regime, including minors. This stark reality contrasts sharply with the official narrative Díaz-Canel presented to Claridad in Puerto Rico on the eve of the American anniversary.
Understanding the Impact of Communism in Cuba
What did Selene Perdomo say about the victims of communism?
Selene Perdomo stated that the victims of communism will eventually need to be compensated, as many have lost parts of their lives and families due to the actions of communists, who must take responsibility.
How did Perdomo respond to Díaz-Canel's remarks?
Perdomo dismissed Díaz-Canel's claims about the U.S. embargo being the sole cause of Cuba's energy crisis, arguing that such rhetoric is outdated and no longer credible.
What is the current state of the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba faces a significant energy crisis, with a generation shortfall of over 2,000 MW and 11 thermoelectric units out of service, resulting in extended blackouts in various areas.