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The writer Eider Matos condemned the severe crisis faced by elderly Cubans, who struggle with insufficient pensions and often have no family to help them cope with the shortages and inflation on the island.
In a Facebook post, the user, who has made numerous critiques about the country's situation, shared that he encountered an elderly woman in the Havana neighborhood of Santos Suarez who, with dry tears on her face and an empty purse, confessed to him that her pension was not enough for even the most basic needs.
"My primary school teacher's pension isn't enough to afford the luxury of eating three simple tomatoes," she said as she accepted a $100 peso aid.
This scene, which appears to be a sad everyday occurrence, reveals the harsh reality faced by many retired Cubans in a context of economic crisis and rising inflation.
Despite dedicating her entire life to teaching, this woman, now 79 years old, lives on a monthly pension of just 1,528 pesos (approximately 4.5 dollars at the current exchange rate), Matos explains.
According to official data, 39% of retirees in Cuba receive this minimum pension, and the situation is no less serious in the cities. In Havana, it is becoming increasingly common to see elderly individuals rummaging through garbage, searching for materials that would allow them to generate additional income or simply make ends meet.
The General Director of Social Security, Virginia Marlene García Reyes, stated in a recent interview that the government allocates 40 million pesos monthly to cover pensions, but these funds are unable to mitigate the effects of inflation, which continues to exceed 30%.
Meanwhile, the number of retirees who cannot afford a balanced diet is increasing, especially among those who have no family abroad to assist them.
The context is further complicated by the recent dissolution of the National Social Security Institute, which has faced criticism for its decentralization, as many of these measures merely shift responsibility to the municipalities without providing clear or effective solutions.
Amid this situation, many retirees find themselves caught in a cycle of extreme poverty, unable to meet even their most basic needs.
For them, the official promises of improvements in the pension system and aid seem increasingly distant and unattainable, while the need for urgent changes becomes more pressing.
"Thank you for everything, Teacher," Eider said to the elderly woman as he accompanied her in her slow and unsteady walk, as he recounted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pension Crisis and the Economic Situation in Cuba
What is the situation of Cuban retirees regarding their pensions?
Retirees in Cuba are facing a critical situation as 39% of them receive a minimum pension of 1,528 pesos per month, which amounts to approximately 4.5 dollars at the current exchange rate. This amount is insufficient to cover their basic needs, such as food and medicine, in a context of high inflation and economic crisis.
How does inflation affect Cuban retirees?
Inflation in Cuba exceeds 30%, significantly increasing the cost of living. This severely impacts pensioners, who already receive minimal pensions that do not allow them to purchase basic goods. Inflation has eroded their purchasing power, leaving them in a state of extreme poverty.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to improve the situation of retirees?
The Cuban government has attempted to decentralize social security by transferring responsibilities to the municipalities, but these measures have not been effective in improving the situation of retirees. The lack of clear and effective solutions keeps pensioners in precarious conditions, without access to a balanced diet or basic services.
What is the opinion of Cubans on the elimination of subsidies for the basic basket?
The gradual removal of subsidies for the basic basket has generated criticism and concern among Cubans, who fear that this measure will worsen the already challenging economic situation. Although the government assures that subsidies will be redirected to vulnerable individuals, it has not provided clear details on how this strategy will be implemented, leaving the population in uncertainty.
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