Dr. Carola Salas, director of the Center for International Economic Research (CIEI) at the University of Havana, has gone viral on social media following her powerful appearance on the government program "Cuadrando la Caja," broadcasted on national television.
In an unusually direct exhibition for the state space, Salas urged the Cuban government to take immediate actions to address the severe crisis the country is facing.
"The people are suffering," he stated emphatically, which many interpreted as an open criticism of the regime's inaction.
The economist emphasized that Cuba is facing an "extremely complicated" context, with a weakened economy, lack of liquidity, and significant obstacles to accessing international financing.
He emphasized that it is urgent to seek foreign investment through various means, but the country has been facing financial problems for decades that have affected its credibility.
He warned that the credit rating agencies place the country in a risk category C, which implies that it is on the verge of default.
"That is catastrophic for foreign investors who do not want to invest their money in the country because the ability to pay is extremely risky," he pointed out.
Regarding the topic, Salas emphasized the urgency of attracting foreign direct investment by streamlining the process, designing a policy of tax, financial, and monetary incentives (such as exchange rate), and removing existing obstacles.
"Foreign investors in Cuba face a series of risks that must be accepted," he emphasized. "Positive signals need to be given, and this can largely be achieved through proper management of external debt and its repayment."
Salas stated that in order to achieve all of that, it is essential to resolve the issue of production: it is crucial to produce and export.
"Problems are not solved by placing obstacles, limits, or price caps; inflation issues are resolved by increasing production and supply. That's the dynamics of the market," he explained.
"These are core issues that the country must resolve because, in addition to the lack of time, the Cuban people are suffering," he emphasized.
One of the most significant calls in his speech was the need to "liberate the productive forces," a phrase that, in the Cuban context, implies reducing state controls over the economy and allowing greater involvement from productive actors.
He also suggested that the state should create favorable conditions for workers, who, as he stated, need to feel that their efforts yield tangible results and real improvements in their lives.
"We need to do it now," declared the economist at the end of her speech, making a direct appeal to decision-makers.
His speech, devoid of the usual triumphalist language, quickly resonated on social media both within and outside the Island, where it was shared by hundreds of users as a sign of the increasing pressure on the Cuban government to implement structural measures in response to the ongoing crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Crisis in Cuba and the Intervention of Carola Salas
Why did Carola Salas go viral after her appearance on Cuban television?
Carola Salas went viral for her direct criticism of the Cuban government during her appearance on the show "Cuadrando la Caja." In her remarks, Salas urged the regime to take immediate action to address the severe economic crisis facing the country, emphasizing the importance of increasing national production and attracting foreign investment.
What are Carola Salas' main criticisms of economic management in Cuba?
Carola Salas criticized the ineffective strategy of trying to contain inflation without addressing the low national production. She argued that economic problems cannot be solved with price controls but rather by increasing production and supply. Additionally, she emphasized the need to enhance the country's financial credibility in order to attract foreign investments.
What proposals did Carola Salas make to improve the Cuban economy?
Carola Salas suggested freeing productive forces and reducing state controls over the economy, as well as creating a fund to pay and renegotiate the external debt. She also proposed fiscal policies that encourage local producers and foreign investors, as well as exploring opportunities in the Belt and Road Initiative and the BRICS.
How does Carola Salas' discourse compare with the official stance of the Cuban government?
While Carola Salas calls for structural reforms and a focus on production, the Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has insisted on "working hard" without adopting deep changes. Government measures have been more administrative and restrictive, failing to directly address the need to free the market and modernize the economy.
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