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What was presented as a showcase of state agricultural success during the visit of President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero on July 25 is now a source of mockery, frustration, and skepticism among the citizens.
The agricultural market "La Cuba," which showcased filled shelves and surprisingly low prices at its opening, now appears to be running low on supplies just five days later.
Images shared by journalists Alberto Arego and Mario J Pentón reveal the current reality of the market, where only plantain, burro plantain, and pumpkin are being sold.
"Where are the lemons at 65 pesos a pound?" Arego ironically asked on social media, before adding: "We fervently demand that the burro banana does not prevail over the foundation of everything."
Journalist Mario J. Pentón also reacted on X: “So what? What happened?... It didn’t even last 15 days. It’s all a theater, a lie, a smokescreen for the photo.”
During the inauguration of the market, state media celebrated what they called a “model of efficient management.”
The portal Cubadebate responded to the criticisms by stating that “it was neither staged nor disrespectful,” and that the supply was not a theatrical performance, but rather the result of “the work of the state agricultural enterprise in Avila.”
“It seems like fake news, but it isn't. It's Cuba, the exception that confirms the rule until it becomes the rule,” stated Cubadebate.
However, the current images contradict those statements and reinforce the complaints of many Cubans who saw that visit as a carefully staged production for the leadership's presence.
The comedian Luis Silva, interpreter of the popular character Pánfilo, commented with irony after the inauguration: “No. It’s not theater. Give it a few days. When the bosses are no longer around…”
His comment, turned into a viral phrase, seems to have accurately predicted the outcome.
Some residents even claimed that the so-called vendors were disguised officials and that the audience was brought in on buses to simulate support. Others compared the event to "a political theater production."
The rapid shortage in the "La Cuba" market confirms the pattern already familiar to the Cuban public: abundance appears only during official visits, only to vanish as soon as the cameras are turned off.
Far from being an exception turned into a rule, the inauguration was a fictional postcard in a country where misery has become routine.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Supply Shortage in the Agricultural Market "La Cuba" and the Political Situation in Cuba
Why did the "La Cuba" agricultural market become depleted so quickly?
The rapid depletion of the "La Cuba" market is due to the fact that the initial supply was part of a setup prepared for the visit of President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero. This type of staging is common in Cuba, where abundance only appears during official visits and disappears once they are over. The daily reality in most Cuban markets is one of scarcity and high prices.
What do Cuban citizens think about these official visits to well-stocked markets?
Cuban citizens express skepticism and frustration regarding these official visits. They believe that the stocked markets are a "staged performance" to impress the leaders and do not reflect the reality of the shortages they face daily. Criticism and sarcasm are abundant on social media, where the theatrical nature of these events is denounced.
What does the Cuban government say about the criticism regarding shortages in "La Cuba"?
The government, through official media such as Cubadebate, has defended the initial supply of the "La Cuba" market, stating that "it was not a setup, but rather the result of the work of the state agriculture enterprise". However, images and testimonies from citizens contradict these statements, reinforcing the perception that it was a temporary measure for the official visit.
How do these types of events affect the credibility of the Cuban government?
This type of event further undermines the credibility of the Cuban government, as citizens perceive a disconnect between the image it seeks to project and the reality they experience. The lack of real solutions to issues such as food shortages and inflation increases distrust and frustration among the population.
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