Amid Cuba's seventh nationwide blackout in just 18 months, content creator Sisi Aguilera took to Facebook to share a video that captured the frustration and disbelief of millions of Cubans. The brief 52-second clip, recorded as the island regained internet access, expressed widespread outrage at the negotiating remarks made by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," the grandson of Raúl Castro.
"I've been without electricity for so long that I've lost track of time," Aguilera begins in her video, filmed from a powerless Cuba during the collapse of the National Electric System. With no electricity, internet, or water, she encapsulates the ordeal faced by millions enduring outages that lasted over 87 consecutive hours in some provinces.
Once reconnected, Aguilera stumbled upon an exclusive interview with USA Today featuring El Cangrejo, who proposed direct negotiations with Donald Trump, stating: "I can negotiate with anyone designated by the U.S. If given the chance, of course with Trump."
Aguilera's reaction was swift: "I can't help but wonder why now and not before. What changed?"
The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 104,000 views, nearly 5,800 likes, and 263 comments in just a few hours, becoming one of the most shared accounts of the energy crisis and the Castro family's political maneuvering.
She described the negotiation offer as "a desperate measure, taken in a moment of deep crisis," concluding with a sentiment that many Cubans share: "I only hope that the freedom Cuba needs does not end up in such a dark tunnel."
Political Maneuvering and Public Distrust
The context surrounding El Cangrejo's statements fuels skepticism. According to USA Today, Castro's grandson acknowledged the existence of over 1,200 political prisoners and suggested their potential release "under the right conditions," though he warned that "truth is not absolute" and vowed never to compromise the revolution’s principles or Cuba's political system.
At the same time, he envisioned a Cuba where people "can buy foie gras in supermarkets," while most Cubans survive on monthly wages of around 2,000 pesos—roughly 10 dollars—and endure blackouts confirmed by the Electric Union with a terse announcement: "A total disconnection of the National Electric System has occurred. Causes are under investigation."
The stark contrast between El Cangrejo's rhetoric and the Cuban reality also provoked comedian Ulises Toirac, who publicly questioned: "What Revolution decides who should step forward and who shouldn't?"
Energy Crisis Escalates
Monday's blackout marked the most severe episode in a months-long energy crisis. On July 3, the electricity deficit soared to 2,206 MW, with a generation capacity of only 944 MW against a demand of 3,150 MW, leaving eleven thermoelectric units out of service.
The situation is exacerbated by the halt in Venezuelan oil supply following the U.S. detention of Nicolás Maduro and the deterioration of the thermoelectric infrastructure.
Meanwhile, El Cangrejo conceded in the same interview that "negotiations with the Trump administration have not progressed" and acknowledged that "the reality is, they haven't" yielded tangible results.
Key Questions on Cuba's Energy and Political Situation
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The recent blackout was due to a total disconnection of the National Electric System, with causes currently under investigation. It is part of an ongoing energy crisis with multiple factors, including outdated infrastructure and reduced oil supply from Venezuela.
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," is the grandson of Raúl Castro. He is a colonel in the Cuban Ministry of the Interior and has recently proposed negotiations with the U.S., specifically with former President Donald Trump.
How are Cubans reacting to the energy crisis and political statements?
Cubans are expressing disbelief and frustration through social media, as seen in Sisi Aguilera's viral video. Many are skeptical of political maneuvers by the Castro family, especially given the stark contrast between official statements and the harsh realities faced daily.