Cuban Government Faces Criticism Over Economic Management and Social Issues

Carlos Miguel Perez Reyes, a deputy in Cuba's National Assembly and a private business owner, recently called on the government to adopt a truly transformative economic project to benefit all Cubans. In a bold statement on social media, he highlighted the current state of Cuba's economy, describing it as partially dollarized, where USD is required for essential goods and services such as fuel, cigarettes, and imports, amidst a backdrop of national production shortages.

He pointed out the lack of legal mechanisms to acquire foreign currency, noting that many Cubans resort to illegal currency exchanges, which he argues is a symptom of failed economic policies. Perez Reyes criticized the government’s inability to establish a stable currency exchange market, stating that the informal rate has skyrocketed since the government's failed economic reform known as Tarea Ordenamiento.

He emphasized that the people, the National Assembly, and the business sector are united in their demand for accountability and a new direction in economic management. This call for change comes as the government continues to deflect blame onto independent media outlets like El Toque, which it accuses of exacerbating inflation and currency devaluation by publishing alternative exchange rates.

Meanwhile, the government under Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has accused El Toque of being part of a U.S.-backed scheme to undermine Cuba's economy, labeling their reported rates as fraudulent. In a separate but equally concerning context, Cuba is grappling with social unrest as seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage across the eastern provinces.

Reports indicate that at least 17 individuals were arrested for looting evacuated homes during the hurricane, highlighting a breakdown in social order amid the crisis. The official response has been to urge strict enforcement against such crimes, yet many residents are reporting inadequate assistance from the government in the wake of the disaster.

Numerous citizens have shared frustrations on social media, claiming that the promised international aid has not reached the most affected areas, leaving them to fend for themselves with minimal supplies.

This discontent is compounded by ongoing power outages, which have affected daily life and further fueled dissatisfaction with the government. Additionally, on the economic front, the Cuban regime is seeking to attract sponsorship for its National Baseball Series, with expectations to generate over 71 million pesos from corporate partnerships.

This initiative aims to capitalize on the sport's popularity, despite the ongoing economic struggles and limited access to electricity, which hinder broadcast capabilities. The juxtaposition of corporate sponsorship initiatives against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship and social discontent underscores the tensions within Cuban society as citizens demand greater accountability from their leaders.