Cuba Mobilizes Local Officials as Crisis Deepens
The Cuban government has authorized the temporary release of municipal delegates from their jobs in an effort to bolster their political presence in neighborhoods grappling with a worsening economic and energy crisis. The move, formalized through Agreement No. 556-X of the Council of State and signed by National Assembly President Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, comes amid prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and a general deterioration of basic services.
The decision aims to increase direct engagement between local leaders and citizens facing mounting hardship. According to official documents, presidents of Municipal Assemblies will now have the authority to determine which delegates are relieved of their work duties to dedicate more time to addressing concerns within their districts, a context marked by growing social unrest.
The government is framing this action as a fulfillment of constitutional obligations. Article 193 of the Cuban Constitution stipulates that delegates must carry out the mandate entrusted to them by their constituents, balancing this responsibility with their regular employment. Officials are citing this article to provide legal justification for temporarily freeing delegates from their jobs.
The current situation is characterized by a severe lack of resources. The government acknowledges limited fuel availability, issues with the electrical system, and challenges in maintaining essential services. However, it also attributes some of the difficulties to measures taken by the United States government, a common refrain in official statements.
Delegates are now tasked with keeping the population informed about government decisions and promoting community participation in critical areas such as food production, price control, and energy management – all sectors experiencing significant strain. The emphasis on these areas reflects their sensitivity in the current climate, where citizens are increasingly frustrated by inflation, shortages, and service disruptions.
The move comes as Cuba faces one of its most critical economic and energy moments in recent years. Authorities are also reinforcing control over local entities and conducting systematic analyses of management practices within each community, signaling a broader effort to address the crisis from the ground up.
The duration of this measure remains undefined. The agreement states that the release of delegates from their jobs will continue “until further notice,” leaving the length of the initiative dependent on the evolving crisis. This ambiguity reflects the uncertain nature of the situation and the government’s willingness to adapt its approach as circumstances change.
The decision to release delegates from their jobs coincides with a broader pattern of emergency measures implemented by the Cuban government to address the energy crisis. These include the adoption of a four-day work week for state-owned companies and restrictions on fuel sales, as reported earlier this month.
The energy crisis is also impacting international travel. Cuban aviation officials recently warned airlines that there isn’t enough jet fuel available for refueling at nine airports across the island, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, a situation that could disrupt flights through March 11. Air Canada has already suspended flights to Cuba, while other airlines are experiencing delays and rerouting flights through the Dominican Republic.
The situation is further complicated by a US oil blockade, which is severely restricting Cuba’s access to petroleum resources. This blockade has effectively cut off Cuba from its primary fuel sources in Venezuela and Mexico, exacerbating the energy crisis and contributing to widespread power outages and fuel shortages. The impact is being felt across the country, with many Cubans experiencing power outages lasting up to 10 hours a day and struggling to access basic necessities.
The government’s response, including the mobilization of local delegates, appears to be an attempt to manage growing public discontent and maintain control amidst a deepening crisis. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, but it underscores the severity of the challenges facing Cuba.
