Cuba crisis explained: Who holds power, and could Diaz-Canel be replaced?
As Cuba faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history, questions have emerged about the island’s leadership.
![Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the country would double down on solar power generation [File: Norlys Perez/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-17T014142Z_1618701892_RC2K2JA0KWPC_RTRMADP_3_USA-VENEZUELA-CUBA-1770321518.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![A power failure left Havana, Cuba, in the dark on December 3 [Norlys Perez/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-03T150929Z_819452323_RC209IAKNZWK_RTRMADP_3_CUBA-CRISIS-BLACKOUT-1764781799.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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‘Unfriendly and meddling’: Cuba reprimands US diplomat amid rising tensions
US President Donald Trump has signalled a return to his ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Cuba, prompting a backlash.
The winds from Hurricane Rafael blow through the ribbons of a tattered flag in Havana, Cuba, on November 6 [Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]
A tourist from China tries to keep hold of his umbrella as the winds of Hurricane Rafael lash the Cuban capital of Havana on November 6. [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
A woman under a crumpled umbrella walks past murals of the Cuban flag and Che Guevera in Havana, Cuba, on November 6. [Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters]
People in Havana, Cuba, dash through the torrential downpours that Hurricane Rafael brought on November 6. [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
Heavy rains, gusts, landslides and rising storm surge were among the threats posed by Hurricane Rafael. [Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has declared the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season to be 'highly active', with near-record sea surface temperatures. [Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said a 'new recovery process is already beginning' in the wake of Hurricane Rafael. [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
While Hurricane Rafael made landfall as a Category 3 storm, it weakened to a Category 2, with sustained winds of 168km/h (105mph). [Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]
Less than a month ago, Hurricane Milton likewise struck Cuba, dumping torrential rain on the island. [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
The hurricane was the latest strain on the island of Cuba, which is in the midst of an economic crisis. [Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]
Cuba's energy grid collapsed as Hurricane Rafael made landfall on Wednesday, leaving residents without power. [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
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US launches first deportation flight to Cuba since COVID-19
The US anticipates an increase in arrivals across its southern border with Mexico as COVID-19 restrictions expire.
EDITOR'S ANALYSIS
Summit of the Americas: A squandered opportunity at critical time
US President Joe Biden’s decision to exclude the presidents of three countries has overshadowed the summit’s agenda.
US accuses Cuba of using upcoming summit as propaganda
The White House has said it has not yet sent out invitations for the June 6-10 summit and refused to provide details.
Cuban hotel blast death toll rises to 35, official says
Rescue teams are combing through rubble of historic Hotel Saratoga, where massive explosion also injured dozens.
‘It was horrible’: At least 22 killed in Havana hotel explosion
Cuban president’s office says preliminary investigation indicates blast at Hotel Saratoga was caused by gas leak.
SHORT ANSWER
Cuba protests: The economic woes driving discontent
Cuba’s economy shrank by 11 percent in 2020, the sharpest contraction since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
![As tourism dried up, the Cuban economy shrank 11 percent in 2020, according to Economy Minister Alejandro Gil, its deepest slump since the collapse of the Soviet Union [File: Natalia Favre/Bloomberg]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/373529474.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Cuba musicians support protests, government softens stance
Cuba’s musicians have long supported the state but many are speaking out in favour of protesters.
![Some of Cuba's most famous musicians have spoken out in support of anti-government protests [File: Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AP20016021831948.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Cuba eyes first official peso devaluation since 1959 revolution
Authorities will also unify Cuba’s two currencies, keeping the peso but eliminating the convertible peso, Reuters said.
