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The economist Pedro Monreal criticized the "statistical opacity regarding poverty" of the Cuban government, which hinders assistance from international organizations on the island.
"Statistical opacity regarding poverty is a pillar of the official narrative in Cuba. The lack of data not only prevails at the national level. It also undermines the mission of international organizations of which Cuba is a member, such as CEPAL," wrote Monreal in a thread on X.
Monreal referred to the report “Methodological Note: Indicators in CEPALSTAT Estimated from the Household Surveys Database (BADEHOG)”, prepared by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) of the UN.
"Cuba shines by its absence" in this report "which allows for the generation of comparable socioeconomic indicators between countries, especially regarding poverty."
"In Cuba, data is collected through the National Survey on the Economic Situation of Households (ESEH). It appears that the last one was conducted at the end of 2022. It was officially announced, but its results were never published, and it seems they were also not communicated to CEPAL," said the economist.
Monreal criticized the "statistical dishonesty" of the "official narrative of burying one's head like an ostrich, accompanied by the rhetoric about social assistance to the vulnerable."
According to the specialist, the "continuity" of mass impoverishment is "a prominent phenomenon in present-day Cuba," which is downplayed by the authorities.
Poverty in Cuba
Last year, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) stated in a report that "89% of Cuban families are suffering from extreme poverty"
One of the most significant pieces of information highlights that “7 out of 10 Cubans have stopped having breakfast, lunch, or dinner, due to lack of money or food shortages.”
In 2023, furthermore, Cuba was classified as the country with the most miserable economy in the world, according to the Annual Index compiled by American economist Steve H. Hanke, a professor at Johns Hopkins University.
To the point that the regime itself has been forced to acknowledge the misery in which its population lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poverty and the Economy in Cuba
Why is the lack of data on poverty in Cuba criticized?
The criticism stems from the statistical opacity of the Cuban government, which hampers the work of international organizations and conceals the true extent of poverty in the country. According to economist Pedro Monreal, the lack of data prevents the generation of comparable socioeconomic indicators and limits international aid.
How does inflation in Cuba affect poverty?
Inflation in Cuba, with a monthly increase of 2.06% and an annualized rate of 27.7%, increases poverty levels by reducing the purchasing power of the population. According to Pedro Monreal, inflation remains out of control, exacerbating the economic and social precariousness on the island.
What is the current situation of population aging in Cuba?
Cuba is the most aged country in Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than a quarter of its population over 60 years old, raising serious economic and social concerns. The high level of demographic dependency implies a smaller active workforce, hindering economic growth and increasing pressure on pension and health systems.
What impact does partial dollarization have on the Cuban economy?
The partial dollarization amplifies economic distortions in Cuba, according to Pedro Monreal. The expansion of trade in dollars creates social inequalities, as the majority of Cubans do not have access to foreign currency. This policy complicates macroeconomic management and does not address the structural problems of the Cuban economy.
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