On Tuesday, Miguel Díaz-Canel's tour of several business sites in East Havana sparked a wave of social media backlash from Cubans. This occurred amidst yet another complete failure of the National Electric System (SEN).
According to the state-run outlet Cubadebate, Díaz-Canel inspected industrial projects in East Havana, including Cuba's first public charging station for electric vehicles. This facility is located on the Vía Blanca highway in Guanabo and is powered by 432 solar panels with a capacity of 274 kWp. He also visited the "Industrial Guanabo" Basic Enterprise Unit, where he learned about an assembly project for 250 containers intended for garbage collection in Havana.
The visit coincided with Cuba experiencing its fifth total collapse of the National Electric System in 2026, and the third in just eight days. The disconnection happened at 11:05 AM, as the country faced a generation deficit of 1,990 to 2,020 MW against a projected demand of 3,150 MW.
Public Outcry on Social Media
The Presidency's Facebook post about the presidential tour quickly became a hotbed of criticism. "This guy lives in another country," was a comment that captured the sentiment of many online users, as images of Díaz-Canel inspecting energy-related projects made the rounds on the same day millions of Cubans were dealing with another SEN collapse.
Critics focused on the disconnect between the president's agenda and the harsh realities faced by millions of Cubans. "It seems they haven't realized the SEN is screwed. Inform them, if they care," one user remarked. Another echoed a common sentiment with a variation of the phrase: "This guy lives in another country."
Criticism of Priorities
Many questioned why the leader spent the day visiting business facilities while the country faced a new electrical failure. "Unbelievable... the country is on the brink of total collapse, and you're still posing for the cameras," one user wrote. Another added, "The one who tours the most and solves nothing. A lot of talk. A country without electricity is doomed."
Highlighting Unaddressed Issues
The post also became a platform for raising ongoing everyday problems that remain unresolved. "We need water... Do you have water at home, or are you enduring this too?" asked one user. Another noted that during the presidential visit, electricity temporarily returned to the area, only to go out again shortly after the delegation left. They also lamented that Díaz-Canel did not visit nearby streets plagued by overflowing sewers and other long-standing issues.
Other users highlighted the challenges in their regions. "For over three months, a building in Santa Clara has been without water, and no one solves the problem," one user wrote. "And meanwhile, no water, no electricity, no cash for pensions," another commented. Some questioned the usefulness of the presidential tour: "I still don't understand the roles of the president and the prime minister. Visiting companies and seeing their operations is the government's job, not the president's," one user opined, while another summed up the contrast: "Companies without power."
Broader Criticism of the Regime
The criticisms went beyond economic management and turned into questioning the political system. "Only misery, a demonic economic system," one user stated. Others called for change with messages like "#VivaCubaLibre," "#DownWithTheDictatorship," and "Cuba should embrace democracy."
There were also calls for Díaz-Canel and the ruling elite to step down. "Get out, dogs," one user wrote.
Díaz-Canel's visit highlighted the growing divide between official rhetoric and the discontent of a population grappling with prolonged blackouts, shortages, and an increasingly dire economic crisis. On social media, the presidential tour was overshadowed by criticism from those who believe the government's priorities continue to stray from the country's most urgent issues.
Understanding the Cuban Economic Crisis
What triggered the criticism of Díaz-Canel's recent visit?
The criticism was sparked by Díaz-Canel's visit to business sites in East Havana on the same day as a major failure of the National Electric System, highlighting a disconnect between his agenda and the severe issues faced by Cubans.
How are Cubans reacting to the current economic crisis?
Cubans are expressing frustration and demanding change, criticizing the government's priorities and calling for improvements in basic services like electricity and water, which remain unreliable.
What are the main issues highlighted by Cuban citizens?
Citizens are focusing on the lack of basic services, such as electricity and water, as well as broader economic mismanagement and political dissatisfaction, calling for political and systemic changes.