Former adult film star and current social media influencer Mia Khalifa took to her Instagram stories to share an image of a dollar bill with the words "Free Cuba" inscribed on it. This post is widely seen as a critique of the dollarization in Cuba and an expression of solidarity with Cubans demanding political and economic reforms.
Khalifa, who has been outspoken in her criticism of the island's ruling regime, captioned the image with the word "Exactly," aligning herself with others who question the impact of dollarization on the island's economic crisis and call for the liberation of the Cuban people.
The Controversy of Dollarization in Cuba
The circulation of the U.S. dollar in Cuba has ignited debate, especially following economic reforms by the government. These reforms have created an uneven system between those with access to foreign currency and those reliant solely on the Cuban peso. By late 2024, Cuba entered a new phase of partial dollarization. The government has introduced measures such as opening stores that only accept cash payments in dollars to attract foreign currency and improve liquidity amidst a severe economic downturn.
These establishments offer a range of goods, from food to essential items, but their pricing and the exclusivity of using dollars make them unattainable for a significant portion of the population without access to this currency.
Government's Stance and Economic Impact
The Cuban government defends partial dollarization as a necessary step to control the flow of foreign currency and counteract the illegal exchange market. However, economists and analysts warn that these policies could exacerbate inequalities and fail to address the root causes of the economic crisis.
Mia Khalifa's Ongoing Criticism
Mia Khalifa has consistently voiced her support for the Cuban people and her dissatisfaction with the leadership of Miguel Díaz-Canel. In July 2021, during a health crisis in Cuba, Khalifa labeled Díaz-Canel as "trash" for his handling of the pandemic on the island. She also expressed willingness to assist Cuba by seeking organizations collecting donations for the island.
Later, Khalifa intensified her criticisms, using derogatory terms such as "singao," "cabrón," and "hijo de puta" to describe the Cuban leader. Her statements gained significant traction on social media.
In October 2024, Khalifa reaffirmed her critical stance against Díaz-Canel, repeating the term "singao" in response to reports about the energy crisis affecting the Cuban populace.
Understanding Dollarization and Its Effects in Cuba
What is dollarization in Cuba?
Dollarization in Cuba refers to the partial adoption of the U.S. dollar for transactions, particularly in certain stores that only accept cash payments in dollars. This measure aims to attract foreign currency and improve economic liquidity.
Why is dollarization controversial in Cuba?
Dollarization is controversial because it creates economic disparity between those who have access to foreign currency and those who do not, exacerbating inequalities and failing to address deeper economic issues.
How has Mia Khalifa expressed her views on the Cuban government?
Mia Khalifa has openly criticized the Cuban government and its leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, using strong language and social media posts to express her support for the Cuban people and her desire for political change.