The broadcaster and television presenter Laritza Camacho questioned this Sunday why the Cuban government denounces the so-called abusive prices imposed by other economic actors, despite the fact that these businesses require official authorization to operate.
In his profile on Facebook, Camacho compared the situation to a game of Monopoly in which players advance and acquire properties without ensuring the necessary infrastructure to support them.
In his view, the scenario ultimately pits Cubans against each other and further deteriorates the country's economic conditions.
In his critique, he questioned the purchase of power plants, banks, hotels, and factories, while insufficient investment, in his opinion, was being made in railways, water, and electricity.
He also warned that the lack of infrastructure ultimately affects the ability to transport what is produced and sustain economic activities.
The broadcaster also directed her questions at the government's economic policy and its shifting decisions. She pointed out the approval of new decrees that could later be deemed mistakes and repealed, while questioning the official defense of socialism.
Camacho also stated that current policies pit Cubans running small and medium-sized enterprises against those who shop at these businesses. In his view, this situation is detrimental to the merchants themselves and benefits those whose goal is to remain in power.
The criticism also targeted President Miguel Díaz-Canel, whom they described as "the man who makes the most mistakes" and "the defender of continuity," referring to the persistence of the issues that, as they stated, define the situation in the country.
The broadcaster expanded her questions to sectors such as health, sports, and education, lamenting the deterioration of what she described as her "little piece of Caribbean island."
At another point in his publication, Camacho questioned why establishments that charge what he considers exorbitant prices predominantly play foreign music, and he noted that these businesses do not sell Cuban products made in the country for Cubans.
"Cuba is now beyond price and it truly is an abuse," he stated before concluding his post by holding the government responsible for a central part of the cost that he believes the population is bearing.
"This erratic government that we keep afloat with our disunity is the most expensive cost we are paying, compatriots," he stated.
Public opinion on social media reflected a similar sentiment. "The only thing they know how to do is to bring down those who are fighting, and thanks to them, some people can eat; if the State supplied the needs, there wouldn't be any resellers," wrote someone in the comments.
Another one pointed out: "Encourage the provider, transform and create a real, functional wholesale market, and the problem will be solved."
In June, Resolution 150/2026 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices removed the price caps on chicken, oil, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages; in July, it also lifted the cap on rice.
Just weeks later, provincial governments unilaterally reinstated controls and unleashed a wave of inspections, fines, and closures.
In Villa Clara, the authorities sanctioned businesses for selling a dozen eggs for 4,200 and 3,800 pesos when the official price cap is 110 pesos per unit, and for selling oil at 4,000 pesos per liter when the maximum set price is 2,500 pesos, according to reports on businesses flagged in that province.
In Las Tunas, a week of inspections resulted in 22 establishments closed and eight licenses revoked, with fines totaling over 1.2 million pesos.
The economic backdrop exacerbates the situation. The official year-on-year inflation reached 20.70% in July, with food and beverages rising by 26.36% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the official average salary hovers around 7,074 pesos a month, which is equivalent to about 12-15 dollars, compared to approximately 96,000 pesos that a person needs to cover their basic needs.
The economist Pedro Monreal warned a few days ago that the 176 economic measures approved in June were nullified in less than two months due to provincial interventions for price control.
Monreal summarized the situation forcefully: "Markets always end up blowing a trumpet at bureaucratic prices, reminding officials that it's not the Official Gazette or their Excel spreadsheets that govern, but reality."
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