Marco Rubio, the American Secretary of State, has called for a leadership change in Cuba as the nation faces a severe economic crisis. On Wednesday, Washington renewed its offer of $100 million in aid, contingent on the island’s cooperation.
Current Situation in Cuba
Cuba, located just 150 kilometers from Florida, is experiencing a significant energy crisis. On Tuesday, around 65% of the country suffered power outages, forcing many citizens into darkness. While Cuban leaders blame U.S. sanctions for these issues, Rubio argues the real problem lies within the Cuban system itself, particularly military corruption.
Rubio’s Statements
- Rubio described Cuba’s economy as “ruined” and “dysfunctional.”
- He expressed skepticism about any positive change under current Cuban leadership.
- Claims have surfaced regarding Cuba rejecting the recent $100 million offer from the U.S., although Havana has denied this.
Further escalating tensions, Cuba has accused the United States of being responsible for the island’s strained electricity network. The U.S. and Cuba have exchanged sharp criticisms, even as high-level diplomatic discussions took place on April 10 in Havana.
Electricity Crisis in Cuba
The power crisis has worsened recently, with widespread outages affecting daily life for the island’s 9.6 million inhabitants. In Havana, people reportedly face over 20 hours of power cuts daily, and in some provinces, outages can last an entire day. Residents are often left without electricity more than they have it.
Government Response
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has labeled U.S. energy policies as a “genocidal energy blockade,” insisting that these measures are designed to inflict suffering on the Cuban population.
- Only one Russian oil tanker has delivered 100,000 tons of crude since late January, offering temporary relief.
- The Minister of Energy, Vicente de la O Levy, mentioned that the situation remains critical.
As temperatures rise, energy demands increase, exacerbating the crisis. Protests have erupted in places like San Miguel del Padron, where residents have voiced their frustrations over ongoing power outages.
Political Implications
Despite facing numerous challenges, President Diaz-Canel insists that Cuba is not “bankrupt.” He responded to remarks made by former President Trump, who suggested that the U.S. would soon engage in talks with Cuba. Cuba’s electricity relies heavily on aging thermal plants and emergency generators that are currently inactive.
