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Amid a profound national energy crisis and growing social discontent, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel will embark on a new official tour, this time to Belarus.
"Dear people: We are heading to Belarus for an official visit and to participate in a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council," the president wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
While millions of Cubans face power outages of up to 24 hours and survive amid heat, mosquitoes, and despair, Díaz-Canel stated that he intended to visit biopharmaceutical and agricultural companies in the "sister nation."
According to diplomatic sources, the ruler will be in Belarus on June 25 and 26, where he will hold bilateral meetings and participate in the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), alongside Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, one of his key international allies.
The Cuban ambassador in Minsk, Santiago Pérez Benítez, assured that the relationship between both governments is "excellent" and that the visit could represent a "qualitative leap" in bilateral cooperation, which includes key areas such as biotechnology, health, agricultural machinery, education, and sanatorium tourism.
More than 40 agreements have been signed between universities, over 50 Belarusian medications have been certified, and there are plans to modernize agricultural equipment and establish assembly centers on the Island, he stated recently.
Meanwhile, the reality that most of the Cuban people experience is radically different from the international agenda of the leader, who is also traveling with his wife, Lis Cuesta.
On Monday, June 23, the Electric Union (UNE) reported that Cuba experienced disruptions throughout the previous 24 hours, with a peak deficit of 1,650 MW at 9:50 p.m., aggravated by the collapse of the thermal generation system, a lack of fuel, and technological obsolescence.
During the peak hours on Monday night, a deficit of 1,770 MW was estimated, equivalent to almost half of the national demand. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans live without electricity for long hours, relying on brief and insufficient "alumbrones" even to preserve food.
The 16 solar parks recently installed have contributed peaks of 402 MW, a marginal figure compared to an electrical system on the verge of collapse.
The announcement of the new presidential tour comes amid a context of social unrest, characterized by unprecedented student protests against the abrupt increase in mobile internet fees imposed by the state-owned ETECSA. The new dollar rates and the elimination of top-ups in Cuban pesos have been seen as a blow to digital equity.
University students have called for academic strikes and demanded deep economic reforms. The government's response has been to delegitimize the protests, labeling them as manipulated by "enemies of the system," and offering measures that do not address the root of the problem.
The proximity to authoritarian regimes such as those in Belarus or Russia, instead of alleviating the internal situation, increases skepticism about the true scope of these alliances. Many wonder if the fruits of these visits ever translate into tangible improvements for the daily lives of Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Political Situation in Cuba
Why is Díaz-Canel traveling to Belarus amid an energy crisis in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel travels to Belarus to participate in the summit of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council and strengthen bilateral relations. Although he faces criticism for leaving the country amidst power outages, the trip aims to consolidate strategic alliances and explore collaborations in biotechnology and agriculture.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The situation is critical, with power outages lasting up to 24 hours due to a generation deficit of 1,770 MW, half of the national demand. The Cuban electrical system is suffering from the collapse of thermal generation, lack of fuel, and outdated equipment, with insufficient contributions from solar parks.
How have Cubans reacted to the blackouts and the government's measures?
The population has reacted with indignation and skepticism. Cubans are criticizing the government for its insensitivity and lack of concrete solutions, expressing frustration on social media and through some protests due to the prolonged energy crisis and the deterioration of basic services.
What impact do Cuba's international alliances have on its internal situation?
Alliances with regimes like Belarus have not alleviated the internal situation in Cuba. Although agreements are signed in areas such as biotechnology and agriculture, they have not translated into tangible improvements for the daily lives of Cubans, increasing skepticism about their effectiveness.
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