In the midst of the severe food shortage in Cuba, a group of young people has found a clever way to express their discontent through a supposed religious prayer.
In a video shared on the Instagram profile WOW VIP (@wow_vip03), they perform a humorous prayer dedicated to the "Santos mandados", those basic pantry items that used to arrive regularly at the country's stores through the ration book, and that have now disappeared.
Using a friendly tone, but laced with irony, the young people plead for the return of the supplies and wish "long life to Commerce," while they ask the Libreta: "Forgive the quarrels in the lines at the butcher shops, just as we forgive the shopkeeper who steals from us when he serves."
The video has gone viral on social media, eliciting laughter and reflection among users, who see this type of expression as a reflection of the widespread discontent with the country's economic situation.
The disappearance of the errands: an official decision
Behind the humor of this satirical sentence, there is an alarming reality. The Cuban government announced in December the gradual elimination of subsidies for the basic basket distributed through the ration book.
The Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, during his speech at the National Assembly, stated that this measure will be implemented "slowly, product by product," and is "a path that has no turning back."
"One analysis we concluded is to completely eliminate the subsidy for the basic basket, but the issue is complicated because it would not only be necessary to subsidize people in vulnerable conditions. For the majority of budgeted workers, their salaries would not allow them to cover the difference," explained Marrero.
The impact of this decision has been immediate on the wallets of Cubans, who were already facing significant inflation and a chronic shortage of essential products.
Foods such as rice, sugar, eggs, and bread have disappeared from the stores or reached prohibitive prices in the informal market, leaving many families in a desperate situation.
Humor in Times of Crisis
Humor has historically been a tool of resistance for Cubans, and this video is a clear example of how popular creativity finds ways to denounce injustices.
The prayer to the "sent saints" not only brings laughter but also serves as a reflection of the crisis the population is facing in a country where obtaining food becomes increasingly difficult each day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elimination of Subsidies and the Supply Book in Cuba
What does the prayer to the "Santos mandados" mean in Cuba?
The prayer to the "Mandated Saints" is a humorous and satirical expression of Cubans in response to the disappearance of basic products from the family basket due to the removal of subsidies. This act reflects the widespread discontent over the economic crisis and food shortages.
Why did the Cuban government decide to eliminate subsidies for the basic basket?
The Cuban government decided to eliminate subsidies for the basic necessities as part of a plan to correct economic distortions and revitalize the economy. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that this measure is complex but necessary, given its impact on the country's budget and economy.
How will the removal of subsidies affect Cuban families?
The elimination of subsidies for the basic basket will significantly affect Cuban families, as essential products such as rice, sugar, eggs, and bread could become unaffordable for many families due to high prices.
What measures does the Cuban government propose to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal?
The Cuban government plans to redirect subsidies to individuals in vulnerable conditions, although the specific mechanisms have not been detailed. The regime claims to be working on a plan to avoid worsening living conditions, but the majority of Cubans are facing economic difficulties, which makes the effectiveness of these measures uncertain.
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