In a renewed crackdown on self-employed workers and non-state management forms, the Cuban regime launched an operation in Matanzas that resulted in fines totaling over 5 million Cuban pesos (CUP). This nationwide exercise, aimed at "preventing and combating crime, corruption, illegalities, and social indiscipline," underscored the complex economic and social issues facing the region, as acknowledged by the authorities themselves.
The operation involved more than 13,000 inspection actions, spearheaded by entities such as the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT), the Ministry of Transportation, and the National Institute of Territorial and Urban Planning. According to Girón, these inspections led to over 2,000 fines, significantly impacting local entrepreneurs and their businesses.
The Burden of Tax Debts and Price Controls
Among the most alarming figures from the operation were tax debts amounting to nearly 7 million CUP, of which just over 3 million was recovered. Additionally, the fiscal accounts of several self-employed workers were scrutinized, resulting in 13 penalties exceeding 63,000 CUP.
Price control, a topic directly affecting the population, saw the Inspection Directorate issue 262 fines totaling over 1.1 million CUP, with 800,000 CUP attributed to violations in pricing policies. The high cost of goods and services, a frequent complaint among citizens, was addressed with the cooperation of the Military Intelligence Directorate and various ministries, who claimed "satisfactory" outcomes, though the root problem remains unresolved.
Additional Repressive Measures
The Directorate of Commerce inspected 337 economic actors and identified 92 deficiencies, notably the underuse of payment gateways and the absence of commercial authorizations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health focused its efforts on controlling the hepatitis outbreak affecting the province, although this issue seemed overshadowed by the focus on entrepreneurs.
In a joint effort with the Ministry of the Interior, authorities targeted 50 individuals involved in alleged crimes and illegalities. This operation, under the guise of fighting corruption and social indiscipline, primarily affected private workers and small business owners.
The Reality for Entrepreneurs and the Public
The fines exceeding 5 million pesos, combined with relentless pressure from authorities, illustrate the tough challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Cuba, who are already grappling with an unfriendly economic environment marked by inflation and shortages of basic supplies.
The regime continues to justify these actions as necessary measures to "restore order" in the economic landscape, while self-employed workers and non-state management forms denounce a systematic persecution that hinders the development of the private sector.
Understanding the Impact of Matanzas Operation
What was the primary goal of the operation in Matanzas?
The main objective was to prevent and combat crime, corruption, illegalities, and social indiscipline, reflecting the complicated economic and social conditions in the area.
How many inspections were carried out, and what was the result?
Over 13,000 inspections were conducted, leading to more than 2,000 fines and significantly impacting local businesses.
How did the operation address tax debts?
The operation revealed tax debts nearing 7 million CUP, with over 3 million recovered, and resulted in penalties for several workers.