The vice president of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC), Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, better known as Paquito de Cuba, assured that the economy on the island shows signs of improvement and that inflation has begun to decrease, even though the population continues to face high prices and a significant deterioration of their living conditions.
During her participation in the government program Cuadrando la Caja, which discussed the recent sessions of the National Assembly of People's Power, Rodríguez Cruz stated that measures are being implemented that, although not always visible, are beginning to have an effect on the country's macroeconomy.
“These parliamentary sessions were quite tense, due to the situation we are experiencing and the events unfolding in the Assembly. A controversial Assembly was felt,” said Paquito.
He avoided directly mentioning the scandal that marked the meeting: the controversial statements made by the Minister of Labor, who asserted that in Cuba "there are no beggars, only people disguised as poor", a comment that was applauded by the deputies and only sparked debate after it was shared on social media.
Rodríguez Cruz stated that: “There are measures that are visible and others that are not, but both are important. Among them is the reduction of the fiscal deficit (...) and the slowing of the rate at which inflation is increasing. People do not see it because they continue to notice high prices, but it is a sign that the Cuban economy is starting to improve in some aspects.”
The official journalist is a strong defender of the government's measures, perhaps that's why he believes that these supposed "economic improvements made the recent increase in pensions for Cubans possible."
However, some sectors of the population perceive this measure as a desperate reaction from the State in response to the harsh criticisms unleashed on social media, leading to an international scandal, following the statements made by the former minister who dismissed the rising number of people living in poverty and begging for money on the streets of Cuba.
The television program aimed to discuss, without dissenting voices, topics such as the contributions from the latest parliamentary sessions, the government’s challenges, the allocation of foreign currency, and the construction of an economic model "that does not stray from socialism."
Beyond the technical analyses, the statements by Rodríguez Cruz reflect an official strategy to justify unpopular decisions through supposed economic advancements that do not lead to a decrease in poverty or real improvements for the citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economy and Social Situation in Cuba
Is inflation in Cuba really decreasing?
According to Cuban government officials, inflation is decreasing, with official figures showing a year-on-year rate of 16.43% in May 2025. However, the population continues to face high prices and significant economic pressure in their daily lives, leading to skepticism about the figures provided by the government.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect its population?
The Cuban population is facing a significant decline in their living conditions, with high prices for basic goods and services, leading to more than 90% of Cubans' income being spent on essential needs. Additionally, poverty and extreme poverty are growing problems, despite the government's attempts to downplay their severity.
What is the population's reaction to the official statements about poverty in Cuba?
The official statements denying the existence of extreme poverty have generated outrage and rejection among the population, both inside and outside of Cuba. The claim that there are no beggars, but rather people in disguise, has been widely criticized, and is seen as a disconnection of the government from the reality that thousands of Cubans experience daily.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address poverty?
The Cuban government has acknowledged that more than 310,000 people are in a state of poverty or vulnerability, and has allocated funds to support these families through social assistance. However, the effectiveness and adequacy of these measures have been questioned by various sectors that believe the actions are insufficient to tackle the economic crisis facing the country.
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