Cuban state media journalist Randy Alonso Falcón has called for daily protest noise, or "cacerolazos," against U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His comments came as he addressed the severe power outage issues plaguing Havana, acknowledging inefficiencies in the organization and distribution of electrical services.
Alonso expressed his viewpoint in an opinion piece, stating, "These are tough times. We must make noise every day against Trump and Marco Rubio for their genocidal collective punishment against our people."
The statement was part of an article titled "When Details and Organization Don't Align," where the director of state-run media criticized various aspects of how the power outages are being managed in the Cuban capital.
Power Outage Disparities in Havana
"Right now, several circuits in Havana have been without electricity for over 40 hours, yet they aren't listed among those restored this morning. How is the service being organized?" questioned Alonso.
He also highlighted the discrepancies between different areas of the city, noting that while some neighborhoods suffer from over 40-hour-long blackouts, others have been spared from outages for weeks, allegedly due to the presence of vital infrastructure.
"Are these areas so crucial that they can't spare a few hours for the benefit of others?" he asked rhetorically.
Challenges in Basic Services Coordination
Alonso acknowledged the challenges in coordinating electricity and water supply schedules, a combination that exacerbates living conditions in many Havana neighborhoods.
Blaming the shortages mainly on the United States, Alonso claimed, "Our enemies condemn us to scarcity, hardship, and suffering. It’s their plan, affecting the entire country."
However, he conceded that internal issues could be addressed even amid current shortages. "In the midst of having almost nothing to distribute, we must organize that distribution better to reduce discomfort," he wrote, calling for increased rationality, organization, and precision in the information provided to the public.
Echoes of Political Rhetoric
Alonso’s call to direct protests at Washington echoes a similar statement made by Miguel Díaz-Canel two months prior. In response to protests over the blackouts, Díaz-Canel urged Cubans to "bang the pots at the neighbors to the north, who are responsible for this blackout," during a July interview.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Policies on Cuba's Power Crisis
Why does Randy Alonso criticize Trump and Marco Rubio?
Alonso criticizes Trump and Rubio for what he perceives as a collective punishment against the Cuban people, blaming them for the hardships and shortages experienced in Cuba.
What are "cacerolazos" and why are they significant?
"Cacerolazos" are a form of protest where people make noise by banging pots and pans. They are significant as a symbolic act of resistance and demonstration against perceived injustices or grievances.
What internal issues does Alonso acknowledge?
Alonso acknowledges that there are internal organizational issues within Cuba that need to be addressed to better manage the distribution of scarce resources like electricity and water.