The shortage of cash in the ATMs of Havana has led to long lines at the city's banks, as reported by CiberCuba during a visit on Thursday, December 26, and Friday, December 27. These dates are particularly critical for Cubans who need cash for their purchases on December 31.
Affected users reported the distress of spending hours in line with no guarantee of receiving the desired amount. "There is no money... My family went to the bank yesterday, and they only give out 3,000 pesos, no more," commented a frustrated citizen.
The problem is not confined to the capital. In other provinces like Matanzas, the situation is even more dire due to power outages and lack of internet access. “We will spend New Year's without the ability to spend our own money on necessary purchases for celebrations. There are those of us who have already received our pay but cannot access our full salary,” remarked another affected individual.
This chaos comes months after Díaz-Canel blamed the private sector for the lack of cash in the country, arguing that private companies create an "extraction effect" on Cuban banks. At that time, the leader emphasized that state entities are not responsible for the shortage; rather, private activities exacerbate the problem.
However, the reality seems to hit hard for ordinary citizens, who face endless queues, strict limits on cash withdrawals, and a crisis of confidence in the banking system. Meanwhile, the arrival of the New Year is shaping up to be challenging for many Cuban families, who will have to cope with a landscape of uncertainty and financial instability.
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