The Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac once again hit the nail on the head with a brief but incisive reflection on the social discontent generated by the recent “rate increase” by ETECSA.
In a comment posted this Monday on his Facebook profile, the actor joked about the collective reaction to the new connectivity rates imposed by the state telecommunications company, contrasting it with the silence regarding other fundamental shortages such as food or medicine.
"The issue that exploded with what has come to be called ‘the rate hike’ by ETECSA has been a catalyst for public opinion for several reasons," wrote Toirac.
"They go from the power of state institutions —ETESCA is not a company, it is the state selling connectivity and communication— to the violation of laws with complete impunity (let the lawyers speak), to the helplessness of the citizen who neither participates nor is informed nor benefits from any plan, strategy, or decision regarding THEIR economy and that of THEIR country."
But it was his final phrase that generated the most reactions: "It's a shame that the donkey kicks for the megabytes and didn't do so for the food and medicine of the children and the elderly."
With that statement, the artist powerfully summarizes a deep critique of the citizens' order of priorities, pointing out that the collective anger has erupted over the loss of connectivity, but not with the same intensity regarding the food crisis or the collapse of the healthcare system, which directly impact the survival of millions of Cubans.
The post was widely shared and commented on, not only for its symbolic weight but also for the balance between humor and critique that characterizes the comedian's public work.
Meanwhile, ETECSA has tried to minimize criticism with targeted measures aimed at university students, following the massive rejection of the new rates.
But the wave of indignation continues to grow, and figures like Toirac have managed to encapsulate, in just a few words, what a significant part of the country feels but does not always manage to express.
In previous posts, Ulises Toirac has harshly mocked ETECSA's pricing policy, emphasizing that the Cuban peso "is not worth even a shell" and that "with eleven thousand, you can buy a rebellion."
In a sarcastic manner, he questioned that those who wish to express themselves against the system must pay exorbitant prices for connectivity, which he characterized as a “subsidy to covert censorship.”
In another critical analysis, he dismantled the televised appearance of the president of ETECSA, describing it as "confirmatory" and lacking real solutions.
He pointed out that, if the company acknowledges a structural crisis, then the ethical course of action would have been to begin their statement with "I resign." According to Toirac, the issue is not just with the rates, but with the contradiction of operating with "fictitious money" while demanding profitability in actual currency.
Toirac also held the company itself accountable for the saturation of the service, arguing that it was ETECSA that signed each contract and enabled lines that it can no longer support.
He criticized the idea of justifying the restrictions as protection for the university sector, calling it a “complicit silence,” and stated that “you can’t buy even half a bit with pesos.”
Frequently asked questions about ETECSA's "tarifazo" and its impact on Cuba
What is the "tarifazo" of ETECSA?
The "tarifazo" of ETECSA refers to a significant increase in the connectivity rates of the state telecommunications company in Cuba. This includes the limitation of mobile top-ups in Cuban pesos and the promotion of packages in dollars, which has generated strong rejection among the citizens as it is seen to exclude those without access to foreign currencies.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban population to the price hike?
The reaction has been one of widespread outrage, reflected in protests on social media and criticism even from sectors close to the government. The measure is seen as a step towards the dollarization of services, which increases inequality in access to connectivity. Public figures and citizens have expressed their discontent through posts, memes, and statements on social media.
What criticisms has Ulises Toirac made regarding the rate increase from ETECSA?
Ulises Toirac, a well-known Cuban humorist, has harshly criticized the rate hike through ironic comments and denouncements regarding the priorities of the government and the Cuban people. He has pointed out the lack of response to other fundamental shortages, such as food and health care, while also emphasizing the collective anger over the loss of connectivity.
How has the Cuban government responded to the criticism regarding the rate hike?
The leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has promised explanations and mentioned that options are being considered for the most vulnerable sectors. However, this response has been perceived as delayed and unconvincing by many Cubans, who see the increase in rates as another blow to their already precarious access to basic services.
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