During an official visit to the province of Cienfuegos on Friday, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel once again downplayed the by stating that, despite the fuel shortages, “a lot of food is being planted.”
The president's words have sparked anger and skepticism among the citizens, who assert that their empty refrigerators and rising prices contradict those statements.
In a confused and disjointed speech, Díaz-Canel stated:
"In times when there is less fuel... a lot of food is being grown. But we have to work, we have to seek... maintain unity, because no one is going to solve our problems. [...] From what I see in people's attitudes, with the things they are doing... it shows me that yes, we can do more. But it has to be inspired by those people who are making things happen... They find solutions even in the moments we have."
The president's words contrast with a critical reality: agricultural production has fallen to alarming levels in several provinces, including Cienfuegos, as thousands of Cubans wait in endless lines for basic food items or rely on remittances from abroad to survive.
On social media, the most shared phrase after the visit was a strong criticism from citizens. “Appointed on a whim, you are a Pinocchio!” wrote the activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia on Facebook, accompanying the message with images from the official tour in Cienfuegos.
The publication reflects the growing frustration of the population towards a leadership that repeats empty promises while the material conditions worsen.
Díaz-Canel's tours of the provinces have been constant in recent years, and they always include carefully organized meetings with residents who align with the official narrative. However, these staged events seem increasingly discredited in light of the country's real impoverishment.
The food crisis in Cuba has reached alarming levels, profoundly affecting the population. According to official data, the production of essential food items has experienced significant declines. Pork production decreased by 93.2% in 2023 compared to the previous year, while rice and other basic products also saw notable reductions.
This situation is reflected in the daily life of Cubans, where one in four goes to bed without dinner due to food shortages and high prices. The rationing booklet, which has historically been a cornerstone of food distribution, shows signs of collapse.
Frequently asked questions about the crisis in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's statements
Is a lot of food really being grown in Cuba?
No, the reality contrasts with Díaz-Canel's statements. Despite his claims that "a lot of food is being produced," agricultural output has fallen to alarming levels. Cubans are facing food shortages, high prices, and long lines to acquire basic products. The situation is critical and undermines the government's promises.
Why do Díaz-Canel's words about the crisis in Cuba generate skepticism?
Díaz-Canel's words generate skepticism because they repeat empty promises. Citizens have heard these statements on multiple occasions while living conditions continue to deteriorate. The structural problems of the Cuban economy, such as food shortages and blackouts, persist without concrete solutions, increasing public discontent.
How does the economic and energy crisis affect the lives of Cubans?
The economic and energy crisis severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans. The population endures prolonged blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, and inflation that diminishes purchasing power. These factors create an environment of despair and frustration, while the government fails to provide effective solutions.
What impact do Díaz-Canel's statements have on public perception?
Díaz-Canel's statements are often perceived as disconnected from reality. They frequently generate outrage among the population, which feels that the government downplays their hardships and fails to address issues effectively. The lack of tangible results fuels skepticism and social discontent.
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