Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed Saturday, March 14, 2026, that there would be no impunity for acts of vandalism and violence following protests in the city of Morón. The demonstrations stemmed from widespread discontent over ongoing power outages and food shortages, issues that have been fueling unrest across the island nation.
Acknowledging the public’s frustration, Díaz-Canel stated via social media that “It’s understandable the discomfort” caused by the electricity cuts and that “legitimate complaints and claims are acceptable, as long as they are carried out with civility and respect for public order.” Yet, he firmly condemned the violence, adding, “What will never be understood, justified, or admitted is the violence and vandalism that threatens citizen tranquility and the security of our institutions.”
The protests in Morón culminated in clashes with authorities and, according to state media outlet Invasor, at least five arrests. Reports indicate a small group of demonstrators threw stones at the local Communist Party headquarters, breached the building causing damage, and ignited a large bonfire in front of the entrance using materials taken from inside.
Protests and Pot-Banging Demonstrations
Special forces from the Ministry of the Interior intervened to disperse the crowd gathered outside the party headquarters. Up until that point, the demonstration had been largely peaceful, with participants banging pots and pans and shining phone flashlights while chanting slogans such as “Current and food!”, “Freedom!”, “Turn on the current!”, “Patria y Vida!” (Fatherland and Life!), and “Down with the dictatorship!” according to videos circulating on social media.
The increase in power outages in recent weeks has exacerbated social discontent in Cuba, leading to small protests and pot-banging demonstrations in several cities, particularly in Havana. Beyond the noise of the pots and pans, reports have surfaced of garbage being burned and shouts against the government.
DZC (EFE, AFP)
