The comedian Ulises Toirac has fiercely criticized a recent decree issued by the Council of Ministers, which bans a total of 125 economic activities for private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), non-agricultural cooperatives, and self-employed workers.
In a post shared on his Facebook wall, Ulises recalled an old joke about a husband who, upon discovering that his wife is cheating on him on their own couch, decides to throw out the couch. To him, this is the same approach the government takes with its problems.
"What they end up banning is the private enterprise of the majority," he asserted, before mentioning the disregard for the legal framework that exists in the country, where "the Constitution can be overridden by laws, and laws can be overridden by... an invisible and omnipotent higher entity."
The actor expressed his disbelief at the government's animosity towards those who import goods for resale (known as "mulas"), stating they should not be seen as the "archenemy of the State."
"If the mulas brought useless stuff no one buys because they're sold in stores, they'd go extinct faster than velociraptors. Isn't it simpler for them to pay an import tax and be done with it? The State wins, the mula wins, and the people have a place to buy or order from... Is fabricating crimes easier?" he questioned.
Criticism of Entertainment Restrictions
Toirac also addressed the regime's new attack on the so-called "Paquete Semanal", a mix of entertainment content including movies, shows, series, and soap operas that circulates digitally on the island and is now explicitly banned by Decree 107 of the Council of Ministers.
"Another cuckolded husband with a couch: make good television, and that's it. The 'paqueteros' starve. And what do they sell? Not what they want, but what people ask for. Is it of poor cultural quality? Ask yourself why," he emphasized.
"And so it goes. It's not about banning what you can't do and creating all the bases for greater corruption as well. Damn, if they put as much effort into banning and creating crimes into producing and exporting, emigration would be because we couldn't fit in the national territory from the sheer amount of things we'd have," he concluded.
FAQs on Cuban Economic and Social Policies
Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to the recent changes in Cuban economic and social policies as discussed by Ulises Toirac.
What are the recent economic activities banned in Cuba?
The recent decree by the Council of Ministers bans 125 economic activities for private MSMEs, non-agricultural cooperatives, and self-employed workers.
Why does Ulises Toirac criticize these new laws?
Ulises Toirac criticizes these new laws because he believes they restrict private enterprise, disregard the constitution, and create more opportunities for corruption.
What is the "Paquete Semanal"?
The "Paquete Semanal" is a mix of entertainment content, including movies, shows, series, and soap operas that circulates digitally in Cuba.