Protests in Cuba: Let your anger run wild

The frustration and the lack of prospects for many Cubans is great. The pressure of the street can no longer be ignored. President Canel could achieve a lot with a little political openness.

“No tenemos miedo” – We are not afraid, we have nothing to lose “- the demonstrators chanted on the streets of Cuba on Sunday.

Such images had not been seen from the socialist Caribbean island for decades: Thousands of people protested in various places across the country for more freedom. They let their anger run free: About the repression, the regular power outages, the poor supply situation, the long queues in front of the shops, the lack of medication – a situation that the pandemic has made even worse. The videos of the protests were shared on social media and went around the world.

A new development

It’s a new development, a new mix: Mainly young people, but also old people from all walks of life, take to the streets. They have networked on social media, exchange ideas, mobilize. The frustration and the lack of prospects are great. But President Díaz Canel reacted with all severity. He called on his supporters, all revolutionaries, to stand against the demonstrators.

He blamed the United States and the sanctions for the unrest. More than 100 people have been arrested, according to Amnesty International, and dozens of those who have disappeared are reported.

Take a small step towards the protest movement

Cuban President Canel cannot simply crush this new protest movement. He could take a small step towards you, give you the freedom to express your opinion and that certainly doesn’t mean a loss of control. At the same time, the US would also have to do its part and relax the more than 200 sanctions that former US President Donald Trump has imposed. Because people lack the essentials, they are hungry. You need prospects.

Just a few months ago, President Canel took over the leadership of the Communist Party from Raúl Castro. He relies on continuity, he wants to defend the revolution that he himself did not experience. He belongs to a new generation. With a little political openness, he could achieve a lot.

People are no longer intimidated

Together with a young generation of Cubans who actually love their country and do not want to leave – together with this new movement he could develop a new vision of the revolution without losing face. Because the people in Cuba can no longer be intimidated, they have nothing to lose.