Cubans React to Economic Measures
Economic measures recently implemented by the Cuban government have sparked widespread reactions across the country. What began as simple concerns have now extended to intellectuals and officials, as evidenced by a Facebook post from Javier Pérez Capdevila, a Doctor in Economic Sciences and professor at the University of Guantánamo, which expressed criticism towards the new measures.
Pérez Capdevila noted his skepticism toward the effectiveness of the government’s measures, citing concerns regarding economic stagnation, poverty, and inflation. His comments gained traction, and many students and workers from the University of Guantánamo showed their support in the forum.
Other citizens joined in to express their discontent and raise questions about the government’s actions. Among them is Bárbara Liz Cuña Quintana, who found it striking how the government’s decision to increase prices for basic services was approved without thorough analysis. The sentiment was echoed by Yami Yami, who lamented the government’s unwillingness to listen to the opinions of the people, as evident in despair and distrust expressed online and in the Cuban digital press.
The widespread discontent has even led to confrontations between citizens and police in some areas of the country. These events have forced President Miguel Díaz-Canel to take to social networks three times in at least two weeks to defend the package and convince the population that it is necessary.
On a tour across the country, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the uncertainty and criticism surrounding the economic measures but attributed it to counterrevolutionary action. Despite Díaz-Canel’s attempts to justify the decisions, the discontent and protests continue across the country.
It is clear that the economic package has had a polarizing effect on the Cuban population, highlighting the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the escalating dissatisfaction voiced by citizens, intellectuals, and officials alike.