Otto Rivero Torres, a former vice president of Cuba, has once again stirred up controversy on social media after releasing a video criticizing the inefficiency and poor service at Galerías Paseo, one of the few remaining MLC (freely convertible currency) stores open in Havana.
In his video, recorded at 9:25 a.m. on a Monday, Rivero recounted his experience visiting the store to purchase items with his mother's remaining balance, only to encounter what he described as "a mess."
"The store was supposed to open at nine, but people are just now being allowed in," he commented, showing the line of individuals waiting outside the closed doors.
Rivero noted that only five items were available: detergent, some "old cans of lentils," expensive rum, and Zuko drink mix.
"It's like an MLC liquidation store," he remarked.
"The surprising thing is that there are so many people queuing for these five products, yet they open whenever they feel like it. This has nothing to do with the embargo," he emphasized.
Rivero's tone was critical as he lamented the lack of respect for customers and the normalization of everyday mistreatment:
"We're used to this, mistreating each other. It's normal now for everything to open at random times. A store, a grocery. This Galerías Paseo is nothing like what I knew five years ago; it's a disaster," he stated.
"This isn't about politics; it's about ethics." Later, in response to the flood of reactions to his post, Rivero shared a follow-up message to provide more context to his criticism.
"It's a complex issue involving sociology, psychology, ethics, and the functioning of laws," he reflected.
The former official, who was a prominent figure in the regime in the early 2000s, explained that his criticism extended beyond a single incident, pointing to a broader loss of values and service culture in Cuban society today.
"Even if the harsh U.S. embargo were lifted tomorrow, and our country had economic solvency, changing this entrenched mindset would take years," he warned.
In his new post, Rivero thanked those who commented, noting that most shared his confusion over the inefficiency.
"Others, about 2%, remember me as the one responsible 20 years ago. But no, 20 years ago, Galerías Paseo was perfect. Ten years ago, six years ago. I've never had anything to do with commerce," he said with irony.
The former vice president noted that nearly all his critics are outside Cuba, while he has no choice but to remain in the country, "struggling."
He revealed that he is currently devoted to professionally caring for his mother, a role for which he earns nothing, and expressed gratitude for his family's support.
Otto emphasized that he wasn't trying to "fix the problem at Galerías Paseo," but rather highlight an issue that affects all Cubans: systemic inefficiency and daily mistreatment in basic services.
"I had the courage, responsibly, to point out something wrong that people face every day," he concluded, offering a final thought: "We need to be good people, nothing more."
A Store in Decline and a Symbol of Crisis
Galerías Paseo, the source of Rivero's complaint, is one of the last MLC stores still operational in Havana. According to Rivero, it appears to be in liquidation, with limited stock and general disorganization, reflecting the collapse of the foreign currency sales system promoted by the Cuban government in recent years.
For many young Cubans, the name Otto Rivero Torres might not resonate. However, those who were of age in the early 2000s might recall him as the "leader" who, by Fidel Castro's whim, went from heading the UJC to becoming a vice president of the Council of Ministers, overseeing the Battle of Ideas, the most resourceful ministry at the time.
He was removed from office in 2009 alongside Carlos Lage and Felipe Pérez Roque, as part of a purge ordered by Raúl Castro that reignited debate about the responsibility of the political apparatus he was part of.
In 2023, Rivero admitted to struggling with alcohol addiction and depression after being expelled from his position. He shared an extensive account of his experiences, including his health issues and difficulties finding work.
Today, Rivero claims to lead a modest life, emphasizing that his only aim in denouncing Galerías Paseo was to bring attention to the moral and structural decay of the country.
Understanding the Inefficiency in Cuban MLC Stores
What did Otto Rivero criticize about Galerías Paseo?
Otto Rivero criticized the inefficiency and poor service at Galerías Paseo, noting that the store opened late and had a very limited selection of products, which he found unacceptable.
Why is Galerías Paseo significant in this context?
Galerías Paseo is one of the few remaining MLC stores in Havana, and its current state reflects the broader issues of inefficiency and service decline in Cuba's foreign currency sales system.
How did people react to Rivero's video?
The video sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, with many people agreeing with his criticism, while others, particularly those outside Cuba, remembered his past political role.