The independent digital platform elTOQUE has countered a coordinated attack by the pro-government site Cubadebate, which echoed claims from teleSUR accusing elTOQUE of participating in a so-called "economic war" led by the United States against Cuba's government.
The articles in question challenge the editorial independence of elTOQUE, cast doubt on the transparency of its method for calculating the Informal Market Representative Rate (TRMI), which reflects the real exchange rates on Cuban streets, and allege that its reporting contributes to the Cuban peso’s devaluation and the island’s rampant inflation.
elTOQUE has dismissed these allegations as manipulated and part of a disinformation campaign orchestrated by the Cuban government to undermine its efforts amid a severe economic crisis. "These are false claims that deliberately overlook elTOQUE's efforts to make the methodology for calculating the TRMI transparent and accessible to Cuban audiences," the outlet responded.
The Power of Transparency: TRMI's Role
The Informal Market Representative Rate (TRMI), published daily by elTOQUE, has become an essential tool for millions of Cubans in the absence of reliable official statistics on currency values. The outlet has made public its data collection and processing methodology since its inception, including the online currency exchange groups from which it draws information to estimate informal market rates.
"elTOQUE has demonstrated a rigorous data verification process and a commitment to transparency in its methodology," the article emphasizes. The TRMI’s calculation method is based on automated analysis of currency exchange advertisements on digital platforms, validated scientifically by the UK-based journal Applied Economics.
Even within Cuba’s own system, some have tacitly acknowledged the validity of elTOQUE's data. In June, Economy Minister Joaquín Alonso Vázquez presented a graph showing values closely mirroring those reported by elTOQUE. Additionally, ETECSA, the state telecom monopoly, recently adjusted its mobile rates according to informal market prices.
Independent Journalism Under Fire
Beyond questioning elTOQUE's methodology, the outlet highlights the increasing repression against its collaborators in Cuba, including threats of being charged with "mercenarism." These actions are intended to intimidate and silence critical voices by using legal means as a tool for political persecution.
elTOQUE acknowledges receiving funding from various sources, clarifying that this does not mean its reporting is influenced by external political interests, much less by foreign parties or governments. "teleSUR's accusations are another attempt to misinform and delegitimize the work of those who seek to reveal the truth through journalism in a context of opacity and state control," the outlet emphasized.
The Regime's Real Challenge
elTOQUE is no stranger to official campaigns aimed at discrediting its information on the currency market and its methodology, with the goal of undermining the outlet’s credibility. In August 2024, economist Antonio Rodríguez Salvador claimed on the "Con Filo" program that "elTOQUE induces inflation in Cuba." Earlier, in May 2024, the Banco Metropolitano accused it of instigating an "induced inflation operation" allegedly orchestrated from abroad.
Economists such as Carlos L. Martínez and Pedro Monreal have dismissed these accusations as baseless and lacking technical rigor, pointing to Cuba’s own economic model as the true cause of inflation and devaluation. This latest offensive not only highlights the regime's discomfort with data beyond its control but also its reliance on unsubstantiated claims to avoid accountability.
The actual threat to Cuba's regime is not elTOQUE itself, but the truth it unveils daily, becoming the sole reliable source for a population grappling with shortages, inflation, and an economy crippled by decades of centralization.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges and elTOQUE's Role
What is the Informal Market Representative Rate (TRMI)?
The TRMI is a rate published by elTOQUE that reflects the real exchange rates of currencies on the streets of Cuba, providing an alternative to official statistics.
Why does the Cuban government discredit elTOQUE's work?
The Cuban government attempts to discredit elTOQUE to undermine its credibility, as the outlet provides information that challenges the regime's narratives and exposes economic realities.
How does elTOQUE ensure the accuracy of its data?
elTOQUE employs a transparent and scientifically validated methodology, including automated analysis of digital currency exchange ads, to ensure data accuracy.