Description: Cuba has experienced its second largest nationwide blackout as thermoelectric plants were suffering from fuel shortages and aging infrastructure. The country is still attempting to recuperate its economy which was mostly affected by the trade embargoes and sanctions imposed by the US and the consequences of the Covid pandemic which obliterated tourism as one of Cuba’s largest economic branches. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the nation urging residents to remain patient as energy restoration efforts were already being made. Residents, however, remained distrustful in the government as they expressed their frustration with the country’s constant energy problems originating from the wider economic crisis grappling the country.
Impact: Cuba’s economic crisis consistently reflected through the country’s problems with energy supplies threatens to restore disorder and instability reminiscent of the large civil unrest in 2021. The country’s communist government struggles with introducing foreign investment and is constantly pressured by US trade embargoes and sanctions as well as problems with emigration which is causing rapid population aging. The government hasn’t outlined constructive plans to tackle the country’s economic crisis and deficiencies in energy capabilities which could ignite civil unrest and protests in the short to mid – term period.