The situation in Cuba has become so dire that even the state-run media acknowledges the severe hardships Cubans are enduring as the year draws to a close, ending 2024 under more challenging conditions than it began. The official newspaper Girón, based in Matanzas, has openly recognized the dire straits Cubans face through a Facebook post.
"For a long time, celebrating the last night of the year with family, enjoying pork, moro rice, and yucca, was a tradition accessible to many, even during tough times," the publication states, implicitly acknowledging that the current situation surpasses previous hardships. "As we approach December 31, some residents of Matanzas still strive to add flavor and hope, as well as a meal to the table," the post concludes, highlighting how securing basic resources for the celebration has become a monumental challenge for many families.
A Year of Struggles and Uncertainty
In addition, the newspaper painted a bleak picture of how Cuban families are dealing with the end of 2024, describing it as a "long and tumultuous" year that tested the populace, forcing them to navigate constant challenges and uncertainty about how to ensure a family dinner for New Year's Eve.
"Access to food has recently been one of the most complex challenges for the majority of Cubans," the report emphasized, reflecting how rampant inflation and exorbitant prices have turned what was once an affordable tradition into a luxury. While some basic goods can still be found on the streets, their costs remain beyond the reach of significant portions of the population, illustrating the ongoing decline in living conditions.
Decreasing Stability of Basic Provisions
The article also underscored the increasing weakness of the basic provisions basket, which for years served as an essential resource for families. Now, with a dwindling supply, this mechanism that once provided a minimum level of stability has lost its ability to meet the essential needs of Cubans.
The year 2024 concluded for Cubans with several changes forecasting an increase in inflation, shortages, and economic crisis in the coming year. For instance, the Cuban government approved and will implement the elimination of subsidies for the basic provisions distributed through the ration book.
"This impacts the budget; we are seeking mechanisms and will implement them gradually, product by product, but it is a path that has no return," stated Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during his address to the National Assembly.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What challenges did Cubans face at the end of 2024?
At the end of 2024, Cubans faced severe economic hardships, including rampant inflation, exorbitant food prices, and a decline in basic living conditions, making it difficult for many to afford traditional year-end celebrations.
How did the Cuban government respond to the economic crisis?
The Cuban government announced the gradual elimination of subsidies for the basic provisions distributed through the ration book, which was part of their strategy to manage the economic crisis, despite potential impacts on the population's budget.