Ernesto Limia, Vice President of the Writers' Association of the UNEAC, has joined the chorus of official criticism against the dollarization of the state-run monopoly, ETECSA. He argued that "now is not the time for price hikes." Limia expressed his concerns on Facebook, stating, "These are not times for price hikes, and I don't think ETECSA's leadership is solely to blame. I understand that a leader makes decisions based on options presented for approval, and no one can know everything; but it was foreseeable that this measure would provoke public backlash. If there's no alternative, the top official who approved it must explain," he wrote.
In a lengthy post filled with tangents, Limia, a former member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and described by journalist José Raúl Gallego as "one of the main advocates and ideological spokespeople" of the PCC, urged leaders to "untangle the mess." He stated, "In revolutionary Cuba, every economic decision must inherently be political (...) in this case, it's up to comrade Manuel Marrero to address and 'untangle the mess.' This is a deeply rooted practice in Cuban political tradition started by Martí and consecrated by Fidel and Raúl. This nation demands nothing less…"
Limia further criticized the ETECSA price hike, describing it as part of a broader trend: "For years, various state entities have compensated with prices for the effects of Yankee harassment coupled with incompetence," he remarked, echoing the regime's narrative of blaming the embargo.
He acknowledged that ETECSA's board is trying a formula to attract foreign currency, which is crucial for development and sustainability. However, he added, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions," and as a result, university students, their teachers, doctors, journalists, and intellectuals have been adversely affected.
Price Hikes Spark Discontent Among Officials
Last Friday, ETECSA unveiled a new set of measures that drastically limit the use of the Cuban peso (CUP) for mobile recharges, favoring instead data packages in U.S. dollars. The announcement not only sparked immediate confusion and outrage but also triggered a surprising reaction within the Cuban digital landscape, particularly on the regime's official portal, Cubadebate. The news unleashed a flood of comments expressing fury, exceeding the usual boundaries of criticism on the island.
The decision to cap recharges in CUP at 360 pesos monthly and to offer data plans in foreign currency was seen by many as formalizing the dollarization of mobile services in Cuba. The announcement, accompanied by technocratic language and promises of technical "improvements," was met with an unprecedented popular backlash, even among official voices and state media. Within hours, more than 1,300 comments inundated Cubadebate's official page, and this time, the tone was one of unfiltered indignation rather than resigned approval.
One reader summed it up with bitter irony: "Let's be serious. This isn't an offer, this is daylight robbery. Another blow to those who already have very little." Other usual regime spokespeople, like musician Israel Rojas, have also criticized the measure.
Understanding the Impact of ETECSA's Policy Changes
Why is ETECSA's new policy controversial?
The policy is controversial because it limits the use of the Cuban peso for mobile recharges, favoring U.S. dollar transactions, which many see as a step towards dollarization of services. This change has provoked significant public backlash, as it could disproportionately affect those with limited access to foreign currency.
How have Cuban officials reacted to ETECSA's decision?
There has been a notable outcry from both officials and the public, with criticism appearing even on state-run media platforms. This level of dissent is unusual in Cuba, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the decision.