Rubio Blames Cuban Government, Not U.S. Policy, for Energy Crisis

Marco Rubio said in a public address that Cuba’s worsening energy crisis and blackouts are the result of government mismanagement rather than US policy, according to reporting by Common Dreams.

 The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba for decades. (Photo: Михаил Ковенский, Wikimedia Commons)

Rubio rejected claims that a US oil blockade caused shortages of fuel, electricity, and food, instead blaming Cuba’s leadership for economic failures.

Critics disputed Rubio’s remarks, arguing that longstanding US sanctions and restrictions have worsened the country’s humanitarian and infrastructure challenges. Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes and Democratic lawmakers criticized Rubio’s characterization of the crisis.

Rubio also criticized Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., a military-linked conglomerate with significant influence over Cuba’s economy.