Cuba: Hundreds of thousands protest against US embargo

May 1st

Cuba: Hundreds of thousands protest against US embargo

The socialist Caribbean island is groaning under the blockade – there is a lack of fuel and food. On Labor Day, people in Havana vent their anger in front of the US Embassy.

On Labor Day, hundreds of thousands of Cubans protested in the capital Havana against the US embargo and threats from President Donald Trump’s administration against the socialist Caribbean island. According to government figures, more than 500,000 people took part in the rally in front of the US Embassy, ​​including President Miguel Díaz-Canel and former head of state Raúl Castro.

“Our enemies have tried and tried everything. They thought they would find us defeated and resigned, but we stand determined and steadfast, with our foot firmly in the stirrup and fighting on,” said Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez of the Central Union of Cuban Workers (CTC), according to a report in the communist party newspaper Granma.

“Together and united, we call for peace and reaffirm our willingness to dialogue without preconditions,” wrote President Díaz-Canel on Platform X. “Fear has no place here.” Trump had recently threatened to take tougher action against Cuba several times and had openly spoken of a possible “takeover”.

A few hours after the rally in Havana, the US government tightened its sanctions against Cuba. According to an order signed by President Trump, punitive measures can now be taken against individuals or institutions that support the Cuban security apparatus or are linked to corruption or human rights violations in Cuba.

Cuba is suffering from the worst economic crisis in decades. The situation is made worse by a massive energy shortage because the US government has imposed an oil blockade on the island nation since January. The power goes out again and again for hours and there is a shortage of fuel, food and everyday items.