The independent digital media elTOQUE responded on its website to an offensive launched by the official site Cubadebate, which reproduced two articles published by teleSUR that accuse elTOQUE of being part of a supposed "economic war" driven by the United States against the Cuban government.
The text questions the editorial independence of the independent media outlet, doubts the transparency of its methodology for calculating the Informal Market Representative Rate (the TRMI, which reflects the real value of currencies on the streets of Cuba), and claims that its journalistic work contributes to the devaluation of the Cuban peso and the inflation affecting the Island.
The independent portal characterizes these accusations as manipulated and points out that they are part of a disinformation campaign coordinated by the Cuban government to discredit its work amid a severe economic crisis.
"It is about false statements that deliberately omit the efforts of elTOQUE to make all information related to the calculation of the Representative Rate of the Informal Market in Cuba and its scientific validation transparent and accessible to Cuban audiences," the media outlet responded.
Exchange Rate Evolution
A rate that disturbs those in power
The Informal Market Representative Rate (TRMI), published daily by elTOQUE, has become a reference tool for millions of Cubans due to the lack of reliable official statistics on the real value of foreign currencies.
The methodology for data collection and processing used by the portal has been public since its launch, as well as the online currency trading groups from which it gathers information to estimate the price of currencies in the informal market.
"elTOQUE has demonstrated a thorough data verification process and a commitment to the transparency of its methodology," emphasizes its article.
The methodology for calculating the TRMI is based on the automated analysis of currency buy and sell advertisements on digital platforms, and it was scientifically validated by the academic journal Applied Economics in the United Kingdom.
Even actors within the Cuban system itself have tacitly acknowledged the validity of the data.
In June, the Minister of Economy Joaquín Alonso Vázquez used a graph in an official presentation that reproduced values very similar to those reported by elTOQUE.
Additionally, ETECSA, the state telecommunications monopoly, recently adjusted its mobile rates by applying a fee that reflects prices in the informal market.
Experts endorse the TRMI as a useful tool for understanding the real evolution of the exchange market in Cuba, acting as a "real-time thermometer" of the economic crisis, according to economist Pavel Vidal.
"Neither the informal currency exchange market nor an informational service that makes it visible are the cause of the imbalances and inflation affecting the Cuban economy," notes elTOQUE.
"The solution lies in the hands of those who govern the country, who are the only ones with the institutional capacity to implement economic, fiscal, and monetary policy in the form of a macroeconomic stabilization program that includes structural reforms," he adds.
Repression and criminalization of independent journalism
Beyond the attempt to discredit the methodology of the medium, elTOQUE recalled the escalating repression against collaborators within Cuba, which included threats of applying the crime of "mercenarism."
The actions aim to intimidate and silence critical voices, using the law as a tool for political persecution.
The outlet acknowledges that it receives funding from various sources, which does not imply that its work is influenced by external political interests, let alone by foreign parties or governments.
"The accusations from teleSUR are, therefore, yet another attempt to misinform and delegitimize the work of those who, through journalism, seek to highlight the truth in a context of opacity and state control," emphasized elTOQUE.
A repeated pattern
It is not the first time that elTOQUE has been the target of official campaigns aimed at delegitimizing the information it provides about the exchange market and the methodology used to obtain it, with the goal of undermining the credibility of the outlet's work.
In August 2024, the government economist Antonio Rodríguez Salvador stated on the program "Con Filo" that "elTOQUE induces inflation in Cuba."
In May 2024, the Metropolitan Bank accused him of causing an "induced inflation operation", supposedly orchestrated from abroad.
Economists such as Carlos L. Martínez and Pedro Monreal dismissed the accusations as unfounded and lacking technical rigor, pointing out that the real cause of inflation and devaluation is the economic model of the Island itself.
The new offensive not only highlights the regime's discomfort with data that is beyond its control, but also the systematic use of unfounded accusations to avoid taking responsibility.
The true threat to the regime is not elTOQUE, but the truth that this media outlet exposes daily, which has become the only reliable reference for a population facing shortages, inflation, and an economy paralyzed by decades of centralization.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conflict between elTOQUE and the Cuban Regime
What is the main accusation of the Cuban regime against elTOQUE?
The Cuban regime accuses elTOQUE of contributing to an alleged "economic war" against Cuba, claiming that its Informal Market Representative Rate (TRMI) influences the devaluation of the Cuban peso and inflation on the island. These accusations lack evidence and are seen as an attempt to divert attention from the failed policies of the Cuban government.
What is the Representative Rate of the Informal Market (TRMI) and how is it calculated?
The TRMI is an informational tool that reflects the real value of currencies in the Cuban informal market. It is calculated based on the automated analysis of currency buy-and-sell advertisements on digital platforms, and its methodology has been scientifically validated by the academic journal Applied Economics. It is a critical reference for Cubans due to the lack of reliable official statistics.
How has elTOQUE responded to the accusations from the Cuban government?
elTOQUE has labeled the government's accusations as manipulated and part of a disinformation campaign. The outlet defends that its methodology is transparent and accessible, and that its work is not the cause of Cuba's economic problems. Furthermore, it emphasizes that solutions to the crisis lie in the hands of the Cuban government, which must implement structural reforms.
Why does the Cuban government see elTOQUE as a threat?
The Cuban government views elTOQUE as a threat because it exposes the truth about Cuba's real economic situation, challenging the official narrative. The outlet provides reliable and transparent data on the currency market, which unsettles a regime that seeks to maintain control over information and deflect responsibility for its failed economic management.
Filed under:
