Uruguay denies ambassador's solar panel funding for Cuba residence

Uruguay's ambassador to Cuba, Juan Canessa, sought government funding to install solar panels at his official residence, citing extreme energy restrictions on the island. The request aimed to ensure a stable electricity supply, as the residence relies on diesel-powered generators that are costly to operate.

Canessa's proposal followed a trend among other diplomatic missions in Cuba seeking alternative energy sources. The embassy conducted a market analysis, obtaining quotes from seven companies and identifying ElectroCiudad as the most economical option. The plan was to finance the installation through savings from eliminating fuel costs for the generators, which amounted to $9,240 in 2025 alone.

However, the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Chancellor Mario Lubetkin, ultimately approved the installation of solar panels only for the embassy's main building. The request for the ambassador's residence was denied. This decision came after a Uruguayan legislator, Deputy Juan Martín Rodríguez, inquired about the funding request.

Rodríguez had previously expressed skepticism about the use of public funds for such installations, tweeting, "How easy it is to be a communist with other people's money." Lubetkin's detailed response to Rodríguez confirmed the denial for the residence, emphasizing that the authorization was strictly for the embassy's operational needs.

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How easy it is to be a communist with other people's money.