The Cuban state media once again shows a disconnect from the pressing realities faced by its own citizens. As Cubans grapple with rampant inflation, insufficient wages, and a lack of basic supplies, Matanzas' state-run TV Yumurí decided to spotlight rising prices in the United States. The provincial outlet featured a piece from the Los Angeles Times noting that U.S. inflation hit 2.9% in August, marking its highest point since January.
The article detailed that this price surge was driven by increases in gasoline, groceries, housing, and airline tickets. It also mentioned that core inflation, excluding food and energy costs, remained at 3.1%, exceeding the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
A Misleading Distraction
While the piece highlighted the Federal Reserve's political pressures to lower interest rates, it ignored the critical issues plaguing Cuba, such as chronic power outages, food shortages, and the skyrocketing costs post-"Ordenamiento." Instead, the Matanzas press chose to divert readers' attention outward.
Public Backlash
The report from TV Yumurí sparked a backlash among Cubans, both on the island and abroad. A teacher in Florida pointed out that despite inflation, a minimum-wage worker in the U.S. can afford rent, send essentials to family in Cuba, and even save for visits. A resident from Matanzas bluntly stated, "We know about it. Now talk about Cuba’s inflation post-monetary reform, where a beer that was 25 pesos now costs over 500. And you're discussing U.S. inflation?"
Another local sarcastically remarked, "Thankfully, the inflation is in the U.S. We're looking through a telescope and can't see the disaster of a country we're living in."
An elderly critic emphasized, "Not a single comment praises the insolent article," highlighting the government's hypocrisy of pointing out "the speck in another's eye while ignoring the beam in their own." Young people in Miami agreed that Cuban media should address domestic corruption and chaos before criticizing other nations. "It's shameful to critique the U.S. while our country starves," one stated.
Repeated Tactics and Hypocrisy
This tactic isn't new for the regime. In 2022, Granma headlined U.S. inflation concerns at 7.5%, while Cuba's then-Economy Minister Alejandro Gil admitted domestic prices had soared over 70% in a year. That same year, official media expressed shock over "empty shelves" in U.S. supermarkets, manipulating a CNN story to justify Cuba's chronic shortages. The contrast was stark; while Cubans went months without powdered milk, PCC media spoke of "scarcity panic" over temporary supply issues in the north.
The Unspoken Cuban Reality
Following the "Tarea Ordenamiento," prices in Cuba skyrocketed. The currency devalued, wages were decimated, and the actual inflation rate far exceeds any official figures. A beer now costs twenty times more than in years past, a carton of eggs is equivalent to several days' wages, and power outages make daily life a struggle. Yet, state media continue to paint a catastrophic picture of the U.S., ignoring that even with inflation, Americans still have access to basic goods and services that are luxuries in Cuba.
The reaction from Cubans on social media makes it clear what the government is trying to hide: the people are no longer easily distracted.
Understanding Inflation and Media Distraction in Cuba
Why does Cuban state media focus on U.S. inflation?
Cuban state media often highlights U.S. inflation to divert attention from the severe economic issues within Cuba, such as rampant inflation, food shortages, and power outages.
How do Cubans react to the state media's focus on foreign issues?
Many Cubans express frustration and criticism, pointing out the hypocrisy of the government in focusing on foreign issues while ignoring domestic crises.
What are the current economic challenges in Cuba?
Cuba faces severe inflation, a devalued currency, food shortages, and frequent power outages, all exacerbated by the "Tarea Ordenamiento" monetary reform.