This Tuesday, a police operation unfolded around the Agromercado de Tulipán in Plaza de la Revolución, resulting in the seizure of goods and the arrest of street vendors and cart sellers. This action is part of the IV National Exercise for Crime Prevention and Confrontation. Yanet Hernández, the governor of Havana, stated that the operation targets those violating established regulations regarding the sale of food and goods in public spaces.
Witnesses described how authorities arrived with trucks, demanded vendors load their confiscated wares, and scenes of tension ensued. Videos and accounts circulating on social media criticized the conduct of the operation. Yuriel Fernández, a user on Facebook, reported that the police "targeted individuals struggling to make a living by selling produce and cigarettes that the government fails to provide." He also condemned the "arbitrary arrests and beatings," calling it "disgusting" to pursue small traders while severe crimes like drug trafficking, gender violence, and other abuses persist.
Increased Control and Social Discipline
On Monday, Miguel Díaz-Canel, at the start of the IV National Exercise for Crime Prevention and Confrontation, called for social discipline and respect for internal order. His message was seen as a signal that repression in the country would intensify. "It is an opportunity to ensure citizen tranquility, respect for internal order, stability in the country, social discipline, and engagement in tasks," stated the leader, against a backdrop of public protests over blackouts, water shortages, and other scarcities in Cuba.
This operation follows another initiative launched in August by Havana's government targeting private businesses that violate tax regulations, particularly those evading the Fiscal Bank Account (CBA) or refusing electronic payment methods. The National Office of Tax Administration (ONAT) declared these practices as tax evasion, which could lead to penalties such as fines, temporary closures, and even criminal consequences.
Balancing Legality and Survival
The official campaign argues that mandatory use of the CBA and electronic payments ensures "accounting transparency and money traceability," essential pillars for sustaining the national economy. However, critics argue that the measure is an attempt to tighten state control over private activities amid inflation, shortages, and high reliance on the informal market.
While the government strives to "reorganize the economic landscape," the tension between people's needs and restrictions on the non-state sector intensifies. For many in Havana, street vending is one of the few ways to access essential goods. The Tulipán operation highlights the gap between the official narrative of crime prevention and the public perception that these actions harm those trying to survive the crisis, without addressing the structural problems plaguing Cuban society.
Understanding the Crackdown on Havana's Street Vendors
Why was the police operation conducted in Havana?
The police operation in Havana was part of the IV National Exercise for Crime Prevention and Confrontation, targeting individuals violating regulations on public sales of food and products.
What were the criticisms of the police operation?
Critics argued that the operation unfairly targeted small vendors trying to make a living, while more severe crimes remained unaddressed. There were also reports of arbitrary arrests and violence used during the operation.
What is the Fiscal Bank Account (CBA) requirement?
The CBA requirement mandates the use of a specific bank account for transactions, aimed at ensuring transparency and traceability of money within the economy. Violating this can lead to penalties.