The recently announced 'Government Program to Correct Distortions and Revive the Economy by 2025' by the Cuban regime has sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule among the populace. Cubans have taken to social media, expressing their skepticism and frustration over what they see as a repetition of old promises with no real solutions for the country's ongoing crisis.
From the moment of the announcement, discontent was palpable. "The same old story that tires us and solves nothing for the people," remarked a user on the CiberCuba Facebook page, echoing a widespread sentiment of disappointment. The frustration continues to mount with each new government speech insisting on the need to "correct distortions," while the population faces a reality marked by inflation, scarcity, and lack of opportunities.
One of the most irksome aspects for citizens is the absence of a concrete plan and effective measures to stabilize the economy. "They're going to reorder the reordering of the ordering," one Cuban quipped online, highlighting the exhaustion with constant rehashing of official rhetoric that fails to bring about real improvements.
In a detailed analysis of the regime's proposal, economist Pedro Monreal pointed out the lack of serious structural policies within the so-called program. Instead of tangible solutions, the government presented a vague document, devoid of figures or defined strategies, failing to acknowledge the failure of the "Tarea Ordenamiento," which plunged the country into deeper crisis.
"What economy? We don't even have aspirin here," another user exclaimed on social media, referencing the shortage of medicines and basic goods, while the regime continues to bet on tourism and building empty hotels instead of ensuring the well-being of its populace. The disconnect between official discourse and the everyday life of Cubans has become increasingly evident, generating more and more reactions of indignation and despair.
Mounting Economic Inequality and Frustration
Among the harshest criticisms is the denunciation of rising inequality and the covert dollarization of the economy. "Translation: squeeze every last dollar from the people and families abroad," wrote one user, pointing out how MLC stores and the inability to access basic products with Cuban pesos have created an unsustainable social divide.
The official rhetoric insists the new program includes "actions, indicators, and goals," yet reality keeps showing that the government has no intention of abandoning its centralized model and tight control over the economy. "When they fix things, the people sink further," a commentator noted, emphasizing how every attempt at government correction has led to further deterioration in Cubans' standard of living.
The Endless Cycle of Unfulfilled Promises
Under the leadership of Miguel Díaz-Canel, the regime's strategy has shifted from "coyuntura" to "economic model update," from "ordering" to "reordering," now arriving at "correcting distortions" through the transition from "projections" to a "program"; all driven by the immovable engine of "changing everything that needs to be changed" and other mysteries of regime propaganda. Nonetheless, the country's conditions have only worsened. "66 years of correcting mistakes and we're still in misery," a user wrote, referencing the history of unfulfilled promises that have characterized the Cuban government since 1959.
Lack of transparency has also been a major point of criticism. Despite the crisis, the government continues to withhold key statistics on the economy, population income, or real inflation. "Spanish is a rich language, but Díaz-Canel and company use a vocabulary that needs a dictionary, and in the end, they say nothing," another user criticized, highlighting the confusion generated by the regime's technocratic language.
While the population faces blackouts, shortages, and the inability to meet basic needs, officialdom persists in its triumphalist rhetoric. "More meetings, more lies, and more misery," summarized a Cuban, expressing the collective frustration of a nation watching its quality of life deteriorate while leaders cling to power after seizing it by force 66 years ago, maintaining it through violence and disregard for Cubans' rights and freedoms.
Sarcasm and mockery have become common expressions for many Cubans on social media, who have learned to make light of the regime's promises. "Now we're moving forward," one commented with laughing emojis, while another stated, "The only distortion that needs correcting is the system itself." With a government unwilling to acknowledge its errors and a population increasingly disenchanted, the announcement of the Government Program has failed to convince anyone. "Blah, blah, blah... and we remain in misery," concluded a user, seemingly summarizing the Cuban regime's economic policy for 2025.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What is the main criticism of the new Government Program in Cuba?
The main criticism is that the program is seen as a repetition of old promises without providing real solutions to the ongoing economic crisis. It lacks concrete plans and effective measures to stabilize the economy.
Why are Cubans frustrated with the government's economic policies?
Cubans are frustrated because they face inflation, scarcity, and lack of opportunities, while the government continues to make promises without tangible results. The disconnect between official rhetoric and daily life contributes to growing discontent.
How has the government's lack of transparency affected public perception?
The government's refusal to publish key economic statistics has led to strong criticism and a perception of dishonesty. This lack of transparency exacerbates public skepticism and distrust in the regime's intentions.