In Cuba, people are angry and protest a little more

Despite the repression of the regime, which meanwhile negotiates with the United States and makes some concessions

In Cuba, people are angry and protest a little more

Despite the repression of the regime, it is currently negotiating with the United States and making some concessions

Last weekend there was an attack on the headquarters of the local Communist Party in Cuba.It happened in Moron, a city of 70,000 in the central regions near the northern coast: dozens of people took part and at least five people were arrested.In any other place, the scale of such a protest would be insignificant.But on the island, the repression of the opposition is very severe, and even a small protest speaks to the growing frustration of the population, dealing with many daily problems.without limiting individual freedoms.

The Moron protests began after a 30-hour power outage, and the island remained in darkness for more than a week.But the problem of electricity is not only a problem of people.In Cuba, water and fuel are scarce, and prices for food and basic necessities are high for those without access to dollars.

The crisis was so severe that the Cuban government granted various concessions.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted on Saturday that his government is negotiating with the United States, which is big news;and a day earlier he released 51 political prisoners.According to international media, additional concessions may apply to Cubans who have emigrated abroad to acquire real estate and businesses on the island.This will be an important turning point leading to a private initiative solution to the current problems.

Meanwhile, however, the frustration of the Cuban people is becoming increasingly apparent.According to Cubalex, a US-based human rights group, there were already 130 protests (of various kinds) in the first half of March, compared to 60 in February and 30 in January.

They are usually cacerolazos: in the evening and at night, when there is no electricity in most of the island, groups of people protest by banging metal pots and making noise.Previously, people took to the streets, but the last major protest in 2021 led to a major assault: Now people are making noise directly from their homes, sheltered in the dark.It also happens in the capital, Havana.

Morone's opposition, however, was more open and outspoken.Dozens of people gathered near the Communist Party headquarters and threw stones at the offices.Once inside, the mob threw away the chairs and furniture on the balcony and set it on fire.Finally, the police intervened.

According to Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego, the internet has been shut down across the city (a common practice during protests) and opposition sources are talking about protesters being shot in the leg.The Cuban government has denied that the police opened fire and reported a riot by drunken people.Díaz-Canel said he understood the frustration due to the difficulties of life, but added that violent protests would not be accepted.

The protesters attacked the party headquarters because the Communist Party and the military are the true holders of power in Cuba.

The socialist state holds single-party elections to elect 470 parliamentarians, who usually come from large mass organizations (trade unions, revolutionary defense committees, Women's Federation) and in turn elect the government and the president, who is at the same time secretary of the Communist Party.The new Constitution of 2019 reintroduces the figure of the prime minister, whose importance is however less.

At the local level, the country is divided into provinces and municipalities, and assemblies (known as "people's power") that usually meet once a month and decide on local issues.

The Cuban military is another major center of power in Cuba, not only because they are responsible for defense and internal security, but also because they control a large part of the economy's foreign exchange, which is by far the most important.

Many economic sectors are controlled by military companies and above all by the GAESA group (Business Administration Group), which manages a large part of tourism (the largest structures are state-owned);supermarket chains and stores;financing in dollars and euros;and the port of Mariel, not far from Havana, which is a commercial free zone.

This structure was consolidated in the decades following the 1959 revolution, when Fidel Castro took power.It still remains strong today, despite the enormous management difficulties of the State.

There was no strong opposition in Cuba other than the foreign leadership, and it was hard to imagine that the United States could run a different government.Trump's rhetoric and administration are heavily focused on economic openness and political easing.Despite the protests and frustrations that arise from economic and life situations: the main demand is to improve the quality of life and personal finances.Ability to adopt ethical practices (restricted for a long time, then difficult due to high bureaucracy).

- Also read: Leaving Cuba is more difficult than ever