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The official Cuban press once again demonstrates its disconnection from national reality.
While Cubans are facing devastating inflation, salaries that barely cover basic needs, and a market that is running low on supplies, TV Yumurí, the state-run channel in Matanzas, dedicated airtime to raise awareness about the rising prices in the United States.
The provincial media shared an article from Los Angeles Times discussing that U.S. inflation stood at 2.9% in August, its highest level since January.
The text explained that the rise in prices was driven by increases in gasoline, food, housing, and airfare. It detailed that, excluding food and energy, the core inflation remained at 3.1%, a figure higher than the 2% target set by the Federal Reserve.
An unrelated problem that serves as a distraction
The article emphasized the dilemmas faced by the Federal Reserve, which is under political pressure to lower interest rates.
However, instead of discussing the endless blackouts, food shortages, exorbitant prices following the "Ordering" process, or the collapse of the national currency, the press in Matanzas preferred to direct the attention of its readers outward.
The contrast in the mouth of the people
The post on Facebook by TV Yumurí sparked a whirlwind of criticism among Cubans, both inside and outside the Island.
A teacher in Florida recalled that, despite inflation, a worker in the United States earning minimum wage can afford rent, send basic food to their family in Cuba, pay for their cell phones, and even save to visit them.
A person from Matanzas was even more direct: "We're already aware. Now talk about inflation in Cuba after the monetary disarray, where a beer that used to cost 25 pesos now costs over 500. And you all are talking about inflation in the U.S."
Another resident in the province scoffed, "Thank goodness the inflation is in the United States. We're looking through a telescope and can't see the disaster of a country we live in."
Criticism multiplied. An elderly man emphasized that "there is not a single comment that praises the insolent article" and accused the government of being two-faced, pointing out "the speck in someone else's eye while ignoring the plank in their own."
Young people in Miami agreed that the Cuban press should address the corruption and disaster within the Island before pointing fingers at other countries.
"One must have the audacity to criticize the United States while an entire country suffers from hunger and need," one person asserted.
Old strategy, same hypocrisy
This is not the first time that the government has resorted to this tactic.
In 2022, the newspaper Granma opened its headlines with alarms about inflation in the United States, which was around 7.5% at that time, while in Cuba, the then-Minister of Economy, Alejandro Gil, acknowledged that prices on the Island had increased by more than 70% in just one year.
That same year, the official newspaper also was outraged by images of "empty shelves" in American supermarkets, manipulating a note from CNN to justify the chronic shortages in Cuba.
The contrast was grotesque: while Cubans went months without powdered milk, the PCC press spoke of a "scarcity panic" in the northern country due to a temporary supply issue.
The Cuban reality that is not told
In Cuba, following the Ordering Task, prices skyrocketed like never before.
The currency has devalued, wages have been crushed, and real inflation far exceeds any official figure. A beer costs twenty times what it did a few years ago, a carton of eggs is equivalent to several days' salary, and power outages turn daily life into a nightmare.
But in the meantime, state media continues to project a catastrophic image of the United States, overlooking the fact that in that country - even with inflation - citizens still have access to basic goods and services that are a luxury in Cuba.
The reaction of the Cuban people on social media made it clear what the government is trying to hide: the public is no longer easily distracted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Disconnection of the Cuban Press and Inflation
Why does the Cuban press focus on inflation in the U.S. instead of that in Cuba?
The official Cuban press often uses external issues as a distraction from internal crises, diverting attention away from the economic and social problems facing the Cuban population, such as rampant inflation and shortages. Many perceive this as a strategy to prevent criticism of the Cuban government and its management.
How does inflation affect Cubans in their daily lives?
Inflation in Cuba has eroded salaries and driven up the prices of basic goods, making it difficult for many families to access essential food or basic services. The situation is exacerbated by frequent blackouts and a devalued currency, worsening the quality of life for citizens.
What is the reaction of Cubans to the media's focus on inflation in the U.S.?
The TV Yumurí publication about inflation in the U.S. sparked a wave of criticism among Cubans, who believe that the press should focus on internal issues that directly affect the people, rather than worrying about external problems that do not impact their daily lives.
What challenges does the population of Matanzas face amidst the current crisis?
Residents of Matanzas are facing extended power outages, a shortage of drinking water, and food shortages, making daily life a constant struggle for survival. The lack of basic services and the censorship of dissenting voices exacerbates the situation, creating an atmosphere of resignation and discontent.
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