On Wednesday, the Cuban government launched a media offensive against the independent outlet El Toque, accusing it of orchestrating a so-called "financial terrorism" scheme and engaging in "economic warfare" against the island.
During the pro-government program Razones de Cuba, hosted by Humberto López, the regime's spokesperson revisited statements made by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. On October 29 at the United Nations, Rodríguez claimed there was "evidence of speculative manipulation of the exchange rate."
López directly accused El Toque of harming the Cuban public's income levels. "El Toque is an entity designed and developed to rapidly degrade our standard of living," he declared, suggesting legal action against the outlet for "financial terrorism." He also proposed adding it to a national list of entities "linked to terrorism."
"I am considering the possibility of initiating criminal proceedings against individuals for whom there is evidence and proof, which we will continue to present," the host threatened.
Though not an economist, Humberto López emphasized his perspective as a Cuban citizen. He accused El Toque of adhering to a strategy of unconventional warfare, pushing a currency trafficking scheme within the country, and engaging in tax evasion in Cuba.
As is customary in such situations, the regime highlighted that the independent outlet receives funding from U.S. agencies, including the Department of State, USAID, NED, and the Global Media Agency.
Despite stating three times that the video "is not a campaign against the independent press," the spokesperson urged Cubans to "stop trusting El Toque" and called for the state to "regain control of the exchange rate," which is currently determined by the informal market and disseminated through that platform.
These accusations arise amid Cuba's worsening economic collapse, characterized by rampant inflation and a continually devaluing national peso, as the government attempts to deflect blame onto external actors and independent journalism for a crisis stemming from its own economic model.
FAQs on Cuban Government's Accusations against El Toque
What accusations did the Cuban government make against El Toque?
The Cuban government accused El Toque of engaging in "financial terrorism" and "economic warfare" against the island.
Who is Humberto López and what role did he play in the accusations?
Humberto López is the host of the pro-government program Razones de Cuba. He reiterated the accusations against El Toque and suggested possible legal action against the outlet.
How did the Cuban government suggest El Toque affects Cuba's economy?
The government claimed that El Toque participates in speculative manipulation of the exchange rate, thus harming income levels and contributing to economic instability.