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In an attempt to demonstrate control and respond to public discontent, Cuban authorities held a "neighborhood debate" in the Santo Suárez popular council in Havana to discuss the fight against illegal activities and corruption in fuel sales, a problem that the government itself has fostered through its poor economic management.
According to the report from the newspaper Tribuna, officials from the Prosecutor's Office and the Police reported the recent arrest of a group of citizens who were hoarding and reselling gasoline or charging for spots - the so-called "coleros" - to access the Alameda service station, located at Santa Catalina and Poey.
The chief prosecutor of the municipality, Rolando López Merino, stated that those involved in the black market for fuel will be severely punished, as they committed their offenses at a time when the country is facing a sharp energy crisis, which will serve as an aggravating factor during the trial.
However, his speech overlooked the structural causes of the problem, which stem from poor government administration, corruption within state enterprises, and a lack of transparency in the distribution of resources.
The meeting also provided information about a police operation in which a warehouse was shut down that contained a significant amount of gasoline intended for resale.
For her part, the chief prosecutor of Havana, Lisnay María Mederos Torres, announced that in the coming days new operations would be carried out at other service stations, and those responsible for the crimes could face charges of embezzlement and bribery.
He also announced that officials from CUPET, CIMEX, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Government will participate in the television programs "Buenos Días" and "Hacemos Cuba" to explain the organizational measures that will be implemented to regulate the supply of fuel in the city.
Report the small offenders while the big ones go unpunished
In a new attempt to encourage reporting among Cubans, the officials who presided over the neighborhood debate urged residents to report these crimes and provided them with the phone numbers for the local police command post.
While the government intensifies penalties against resellers, the impunity of high-ranking officials who manage fuel and other essential products remains intact, facilitating corruption within the state apparatus itself.
This is not the first time such propagandistic meetings have been organized, where ordinary citizens are blamed for a systemic problem that has its roots in government incompetence and a failed economic model.
Crisis, repression, and empty rhetoric
While the government inundates the media with speeches about the fight against illegal activities, Cubans continue to face uncontrolled inflation, a booming black market, and a free-falling economy. The lack of fuel, food shortages, and the precariousness of basic services are symptoms of a crisis that cannot be resolved with police operations or community meetings.
The so-called neighborhood debates are nothing more than an attempt to divert attention from the inefficacy of the State itself, blaming desperate citizens trying to survive in a country where essential goods have become an unreachable luxury. Meanwhile, the true architects of the crisis remain untouchable, refusing to take any responsibility for the collapse facing Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and Corruption in Cuba
What measures is the Cuban government taking against resellers and line-waiters in Havana?
The Cuban government has carried out arrests of resellers and queue jumpers in Havana, bringing them to trial and promising severe penalties. These actions are part of an attempt to demonstrate control and respond to public discontent, although they do not address the structural causes of the problem, such as poor government management and corruption.
How is the fuel crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The fuel crisis in Cuba has led to long lines at gas stations, with drivers waiting up to six days to obtain gasoline. Moreover, it has increased inflation and social discontent, with black market gasoline prices reaching up to 700 pesos per liter. This situation exacerbates the precariousness of daily life on the island.
What impact does corruption and arrests have on Cuba's economic system?
Corruption and arrests have further deteriorated Cuba's economic system, generating an atmosphere of distrust and repression. While small vendors are pursued, the high-ranking officials responsible for inefficient management and corruption within the state remain unpunished, perpetuating a failing economic system.
What role do the "coleros" play in the current crisis in Cuba?
The "coleros" are a symptom of the scarcity and economic crisis in Cuba. They engage in selling spots to access basic services and products, such as gasoline and cash at ATMs. While they profit from the situation, the underlying issue is the lack of supply and poor government management that creates these conditions.
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