Summary
Highlights
Since 1990, Cubans have been unable to afford basic necessities with their income. The country is in economic ruins, with long lines for essential goods. A year ago, the government attempted to fix the economy by eliminating one of two currencies and stabilizing the exchange rate, but this has not worked in practice. Cuba still operates on multiple currencies, leading to constant inflation and a significant drop in purchasing power for its citizens.
People routinely line up for days to buy basic goods like chicken. Items like limes are sold per piece due to high cost. While the official media claims everything is improving, citizens know it's a lie. Many cannot afford simple groceries like tomatoes. The official distribution chains are broken, forcing people to rely on an extensive black market for survival, where prices are three to four times higher than in state-run stores.
The economic restructuring coincided with a tightening of the US embargo by the Trump administration, which enacted over 200 pieces of legislation against Cuba and labeled it a state sponsor of terrorism. This, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, severely hit Cuba's main revenue sources: remittances, tourism, and overseas workers. However, many Cubans also point to internal failures, such as inefficient production and logistics, as significant contributors to the crisis, arguing that the socialist model has not worked.
Havana, once a beautiful and flourishing city, is now described as slowly falling into ruin, with many historical buildings crumbling. The streets are dirty, and infrastructure is decaying, prompting great sadness and tears from older generations who remember a different era. There is a widespread sense of disillusionment, especially among younger generations who see no future under the current system. They no longer believe promises of change and are aware that the current economic situation is the worst in 62 years.
The traditional government monopoly on information has been broken by the internet and social media, fostering new conversations and alternative viewpoints. The deteriorating conditions have led to a significant increase in emigration. People are no longer asking who has left the country, but rather how many are left, highlighting the profound impact of the crisis on the population and the sadness of widespread departures.
Public dissent is met with repression. A man who protested with a sign reading "Yes to socialism, no to repression" was arrested and interrogated multiple times, facing pressure and surveillance, as well as his friends and family. While state-organized demonstrations are permitted, genuine protests against government policies or living conditions lead to arrests and long prison sentences. Many feel the need to express their frustration but are aware of the severe consequences.
Despite the hardships, there's a strong desire for change and dialogue. Rock musicians, for example, find an outlet for self-expression outside political slogans. Many Cubans believe that new solutions are needed for the nation's problems, advocating for grassroots organization rather than relying on external forces or charismatic leaders. The pervasive denial of the country's economic ruin by authorities is seen as a barrier to progress, with calls for honesty and collective effort to rebuild.