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Rare protests erupt in Cuba as blackouts deepen and US aid offer adds political pressure | DW News

May 14, 2026 7 min
cubapower gridus-cuba relations
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Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis leading to rare, widespread protests as the nation deals with prolonged blackouts and a dwindling fuel supply.

Cuba's national power grid has suffered a partial collapse, causing multi-day power outages in many parts of the country. These constant blackouts have led to rare and significant public protests in Havana and other regions, as citizens voice their frustration over the lack of basic services and food spoilage. The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo and restrictive trade policies for the fuel shortage, while the U.S. has offered a $100 million aid package, provided it is distributed via the Catholic Church. The future of this aid remains uncertain, as the Cuban government is weighing the offer against the political conditions typically attached to such assistance.

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Worth watching if: You are interested in understanding the current geopolitical dynamics affecting Cuba's energy stability and the recent public responses to these economic hardships.

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