Mauricio De Miranda Parrondo, a Cuban economist renowned for his critical assessments of the island's economy, has unleashed a scathing critique of the regime's latest policy measures. In a detailed message shared on his Facebook account, De Miranda challenged the government's legitimacy and intentions, asserting that it neither serves the people nor upholds a revolutionary model. He declared unequivocally, "Cuban socialism is a myth."
Furthermore, De Miranda warned of the nation's precarious situation, highlighting threats not only to its economy but also to its independence and viability as a society. He accused the regime of operating in a "rent-seeking" manner, characterizing the current policies as an excessive exploitation of society. "Their aim is to squeeze," he claimed, illustrating how this approach has exacerbated the economic crisis and worsened living standards across Cuba.
The economist drew parallels between the current situation and past measures, such as the creation of gold and silver stores in the 1980s, the establishment of Recovery of Currency Stores (TRD), and the subsequent partial dollarization of consumption. According to his analysis, these actions have consistently been marked by deceit and mistrust.
De Miranda emphasized that the Cuban government has persistently turned to strategies for capturing foreign currency, from utilizing U.S. dollars to implementing MLC accounts. These systems, he argued, are yet another "vampiric extraction" of the people's resources. "Those stores are now empty. Those dollars have been swallowed by the Cuban government's 'dollar-eating' frenzy," he remarked.
He concluded his message by defending the need to preserve Cuba's identity and freedom as a nation, while calling for an open debate on government policies and their impact on the country's future. "Never before has Cuba faced a greater risk of losing its independence," he cautioned, reaffirming his dedication to a free and sovereign Cuba.
Recent economic measures in Cuba, including exchange rate regulations and dollar restrictions, have drawn criticism for their lack of transparency. The rise in prices and removal of subsidies have further deepened the crisis. Moreover, the recent opening of a supermarket at 3rd and 70th in Havana has sparked significant backlash due to its policy of accepting only cash payments in U.S. dollars or cards linked to foreign currency accounts.
Cuba's Economic Crisis and Government Policies
What did Mauricio De Miranda Parrondo criticize about the Cuban government's policies?
Mauricio De Miranda Parrondo criticized the Cuban government's policies for being exploitative and deceitful. He argued that these policies do not serve the people and exacerbate the country's economic crisis.
How are the new economic measures affecting Cuba?
The new economic measures, including exchange rate regulations and dollar restrictions, have led to a lack of transparency, increased prices, and the removal of subsidies, which have all contributed to worsening the crisis in Cuba.
Why has the new supermarket in Havana faced criticism?
The new supermarket in Havana has faced criticism for its policy of accepting only U.S. dollars in cash or cards linked to foreign currency accounts, which many see as exclusionary and problematic given the current economic situation.