Crony capitalism will not bring democracy or reduce the poverty of Cubans

Over the past few months, Cuba has experienced an apparent flourishing in the number of MSMEs. Markets emerge throughout the national territory, offering a variety of products previously unimaginable. Online stores have created delivery infrastructures that imitate those of other countries. Even cutting-edge vehicles, such as Teslas and high-end cars, now adorn the streets of the island. All of this has led some to proclaim that "things are getting better."

However, this perception is merely a mirage. This "boom" of entrepreneurship is founded on two fundamentally fragile and questionable pillars. Firstly, there is an almost total dependence on money from the Cuban community abroad. This reality has profound implications: while successful businesses depend largely on this money, self-sustaining wealth will not be created on the island. Furthermore, ordinary Cubans cannot access the prices of these products and services, designed for customers in Europe and the United States, thus perpetuating a significant economic disparity.

Secondly, and even more worrying, many of the companies that appear successful have a direct relationship with regime officials. These businessmen, whose existence and prosperity largely depend on the government, will never express a dissenting opinion. They are fully aware that a single misplaced word could cost them their perks and lucrative businesses. In this context, crony capitalism, far from being a vehicle toward democracy or a tool for alleviating poverty, becomes a new form of oppression, one that chains entrepreneurship to the whims of the few in power.

It is therefore essential to look beyond the surface gloss of these new developments. Although at first glance it may seem that Cuba is opening up to modernity and economic progress, the reality is that we are witnessing a mere redistribution of power and wealth in the hands of those loyal to the regime. This form of capitalism is not only unsustainable, but it also perpetuates the same power structures that have kept Cuba in a state of stagnation and repression for decades.

In conclusion, true change, the change that will lead to a prosperous and democratic Cuba, will require much more than the appearance of small markets and luxury cars. We need a fundamental change in the way our economy and our society is structured, a change that empowers all Cubans, not just those with government connections.