Protests Erupt in Havana After More Than 60 Hours Without Electricity as Anger at Communist Government Grows
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Protests have erupted in several areas of the Cuban capital after residents endured more than 60 hours without electricity, triggering growing anger toward the country’s communist government and worsening economic conditions.
According to videos circulating on social media and local reports, the demonstrations began late at night in several neighborhoods of Havana, where frustrated residents took to the streets banging pots, chanting slogans, and demanding solutions to the prolonged blackouts.
Witnesses say crowds gathered spontaneously as frustration reached a breaking point after nearly three days without electricity in some areas. The outages have left homes without refrigeration, lighting, internet access, or ventilation in the island’s tropical heat.
According to reports, residents shouted “Electricity and food!” and “Freedom!”, echoing demands heard during previous anti-government demonstrations on the island.
Cuba has been experiencing severe energy shortages for months, driven by aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and a deepening economic crisis. The country’s power grid has struggled to meet demand, leading to frequent blackouts that in some provinces last more than half the day.
However, the most recent outages in Havana — historically prioritized for electricity distribution compared to other regions — appear to have intensified public anger.
Videos posted online show groups of residents gathering in streets and apartment buildings, clapping, chanting, and calling for change. Some footage also suggests a growing police presence in certain areas as authorities attempt to contain the demonstrations.
The protests come amid ongoing economic hardship across the island, including shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods. Many Cubans have grown increasingly frustrated with the government’s response to the crisis.
This unrest recalls the historic protests of 2021 in Cuba, when thousands of Cubans across the island took to the streets demanding freedom and better living conditions in what were the largest demonstrations seen in decades.
Since then, the Cuban government has tightened control over dissent, arresting activists and expanding surveillance of social media. However, the latest protests indicate that public frustration continues to simmer beneath the surface.
Amid the situation, President Donald Trump also commented on the crisis in Cuba, suggesting the country’s current system is reaching a critical point.
“It will have a great new life. It’s in its last moments of life, the way it is,” Trump said while referring to the country under the communist regime.
Trump also mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating he could play a key role in potential negotiations related to Cuba in the future.
“Our focus right now is on Iran. Then we’ll deal with that. I’d say, what are you going to do, take two days off, Marco? No, he won’t. He’ll take one hour off and then finish up a deal on Cuba,” the president said.
Cuban authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the demonstrations in Havana.
As power outages continue and economic pressures mount, observers say the situation on the island remains volatile. Further protests could emerge if the energy crisis persists and residents continue to face prolonged blackouts.
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