The broadcaster and television presenter Laritza Camacho questioned this Sunday why the Cuban government denounces the so-called abusive prices charged by other economic actors, despite the fact that these businesses require official authorization to operate.
In his Facebook profile, Camacho compared the situation to a game of Monopoly where players advance and acquire properties without ensuring the necessary infrastructure to support them.
In his opinion, the scenario ultimately pits the Cubans against each other and further deteriorates the economic conditions of the country.
In his critique, he questioned the purchase of power plants, banks, hotels, and factories, while insufficient investment, in his view, is made in railways, water, and electricity.
It also warned that the lack of infrastructure ultimately affects the ability to transport what is produced and sustain economic activities.
The announcer also directed her questioning toward the government's economic policy and its shifting decisions. She highlighted the approval of new decrees that could later be seen as mistakes and revoked, while questioning the official defense of socialism.
Camacho also stated that current policies pit Cubans who manage small and medium-sized enterprises against other Cubans who purchase from those businesses. In his view, this scenario is detrimental to the merchants themselves and benefits those whose aim is to remain in power.
The criticism also reached 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 problems that, as stated, characterize the country's situation.
The host expanded her questions to areas such as the economy, health, sports, and education, and lamented the deterioration of what she described as her "little piece of Caribbean island."
At another point in his publication, Camacho questioned why foreign music predominates in establishments that apply what he considers abusive prices, noting that these businesses do not sell Cuban products made in the country for Cubans.
"Cuba's situation is truly priceless and, indeed, it is an abuse," he stated before concluding his post, holding the government responsible for a significant portion of the costs that, in his view, the population is bearing.
"This erratic government that we keep afloat with our disunity is the most costly product we are paying for, fellow countrymen," he asserted.
Citizen opinion on social media reflected a similar sentiment. "All they know is how to suppress those who are fighting, and thanks to them, some are able to eat; if the State were to fulfill the needs, there would be no resellers," wrote one person in the comments.
Another pointed out: "Encourage the supplier, transform and build a real and functional wholesale market, and the problem will be solved."
In June, Resolution 150/2026 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices eliminated the price caps for chicken, oil, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages; in July, it also removed the cap on rice.
Just weeks later, provincial governments unilaterally reinstated controls and unleashed a wave of inspections, fines, and closures.
In Villa Clara, authorities penalized businesses for selling eggs at 4,200 pesos each when the official limit is 110 pesos, and oil at 4,000 pesos per liter when the maximum set is 2,500 pesos, according to reports on businesses identified in that province.
In Las Tunas, a week of inspections resulted in 22 establishments closed and eight licenses revoked, with fines exceeding 1.2 million pesos.
The economic background worsens the situation. The official year-on-year inflation reached 20.70% in July, with food and beverages increasing by 26.36% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the official average salary is around 7,074 pesos per month, 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 days ago that the 176 economic measures approved in June were nullified in less than two months by provincial price control interventions.
In this regard, Monreal succinctly summarized the situation with firmness: "Markets always end up blowing a trumpet at bureaucratic prices, reminding officials that it is not the Official Gazette or their Excel sheets that dictate, but rather reality."
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