Renowned for her insightful critiques on social media concerning the pressing issues in Cuban society, broadcaster Laritza Camacho expressed her disapproval on Thursday regarding the government's media campaign against the independent outlet El Toque. Her response was both critical and assertive.
On her Facebook account, Camacho stated, “I don’t deal in dollars, nor do I earn them. I neither buy nor sell because I simply don't have any. As a Cuban citizen, I would much prefer if they gave a 'Toque' to Murillo and all those responsible for the economic restructuring that triggered inflation, and if someone could explain why 253 measures have failed to improve anything.”
Her remarks came after Wednesday's official state television attacks on El Toque, where government spokesperson Humberto López accused the outlet of committing “financial terrorism” and engaging in an alleged “economic war” against Cuba.
Government's Response to Economic Criticism
In the program Razones de Cuba, López reiterated comments by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez at the UN, claiming there was “evidence of speculative manipulation of the exchange rate.” During the broadcast, he suggested legal action against members of El Toque, asserting it was created to lower Cubans' living standards.
Official media outlets like Granma and Cubadebate echoed these accusations, labeling the outlet as a “subversive tool” and “agent of economic terrorism.” In stark contrast, Camacho highlighted the root causes of Cuba's economic turmoil: flawed monetary policies and government mismanagement.
Calls for Accountability and Real Solutions
“Why do we have a food sovereignty law yet fail to produce food?” Camacho questioned, pointing out the lack of answers to the president's inquiries. She also mocked the regime's focus on controlling the informal exchange rate by targeting independent media.
“I'd like to see the exchange rate increase daily... but not for dollars, euros, or empty rhetoric. We need an increase in our productivity rate, in real order, and justice. Our peso needs to regain its true value,” she urged.
Camacho called for genuine solutions in the face of the nation's decline and criticized the absence of accountability among leaders responsible for Cuba's current crisis.
“In a country where everyone has a fever, I’m not interested in metaphorical thermometers. I don’t seek blame or scapegoats. I seek solutions. Prosperity is urgent, as is restoring health to our economy and civic life,” she asserted, concluding with a pointed question: “Or is there no one in Cuba accountable for this disaster?”
Her post garnered thousands of supportive comments. Intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández remarked, “It couldn’t be said better. I agree with you, dear friend.” Other users praised Camacho’s courage for standing up in an environment where few artists and communicators dare to publicly challenge the authorities.
Camacho's words encapsulate the widespread frustration among millions of Cubans: anger at a government that, instead of providing solutions, seeks external scapegoats to justify the ruin brought by its own economic model.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What sparked Laritza Camacho's criticism of the Cuban government?
Laritza Camacho criticized the Cuban government following its media attacks on the independent outlet El Toque, arguing that the real issues lie with the economic policies that have led to inflation and other financial woes.
What accusations were made against El Toque by the Cuban government?
The Cuban government accused El Toque of engaging in “financial terrorism” and participating in an “economic war” against Cuba, suggesting that the outlet was created to lower the standard of living for Cubans.
How did Camacho suggest addressing Cuba's economic problems?
Camacho called for real solutions, such as increasing productivity and holding leaders accountable, rather than focusing on controlling informal exchange rates or finding scapegoats.