Cuban Anti-Government Protests Reach Peak... President Admits "Flaws in Handling Issues"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Cuban President Miguel D?az-Canel acknowledged for the first time since the unprecedented large-scale anti-government protests that the government bears some responsibility.

According to the Associated Press on the 14th (local time), President D?az-Canel stated in a televised speech that the government's shortcomings in addressing issues such as food shortages contributed to the protests.

On the 11th, large-scale anti-government protests erupted across Cuba, including the capital Havana. The causes included shortages of food and medicine, as well as frequent power outages. Currently, Cuba is also experiencing a severe economic crisis due to economic sanctions imposed by the Donald Trump administration in the United States and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president's remarks contrast with previous statements that blamed social media, U.S. economic sanctions, and agitation for the protests. President D?az-Canel had previously claimed that Cuba's severe economic difficulties were "exploited by those who do not want the development of the Cuban revolution or a respectful and civilized relationship with the United States."

On this day, President D?az-Canel said, "We must learn from the unrest" and "We need to critically analyze our problems." However, he also urged that some "acts of violence such as property damage, attacks on public places, stone-throwing, and robbery occurred," and emphasized that "we must not act out of hatred."

Meanwhile, prior to the remarks, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced a measure to ease tariffs on Cubans bringing in food, medicine, and toiletries after returning from abroad.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.