Cuba's escalating protests deepen political crisis

Protests across Cuba have surged in 2026, with at least 342 recorded demonstrations—more than the total in the preceding three years. Citizens, burdened by chronic power outages, water shortages, food scarcity and soaring inflation, are increasingly confronting the government in public spaces. The unrest, which began with spontaneous street actions, is now becoming more politicised, with demonstrators openly condemning authorities and using slogans targeting the regime.

University students have joined the movement, notably protesting the steep tariff increase of the state telecom monopoly ETECSA, while the violent episode in Morón—where residents stormed a party headquarters, partially looted it and set a fire—marked the most severe clash to date. The government’s response has intensified repression, arrests and militarisation of public order, yet analysts note growing fractures within the ruling apparatus that could enable a negotiated transition. External pressure, including rhetoric from U.S. politicians, adds further complexity, but the primary battle remains on the island’s streets and within its society.