Roberto Morales Ojeda, a key figure within the Political Bureau and Organizational Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, took to social media platform X this past Saturday, urging Cubans to tap into their "fighting memory" as the nation grapples with its most severe economic crisis in modern times.
With a backdrop of economic challenges and an intensifying embargo, Morales Ojeda emphasized the heightened significance of April, announcing it as a period of "reaffirmation and patriotism, filled with intense work and ideological combat."
The message, accompanied by a Soviet-style propaganda poster featuring the phrase "April of Victories" and war tank silhouettes, declares that "April will be a month of conquered challenges and unity in any circumstance."
This revolutionary rhetoric starkly contrasts with the harsh daily realities faced by Cubans, where power outages can last up to 20-25 hours a day, with electricity generation deficits exceeding 1,945 MW during peak times.
The minimum wage in Cuba stands at 2,100 pesos per month, roughly equivalent to four dollars at the informal exchange rate, while basic goods are exorbitantly priced: an onion can cost up to 900 pesos, a package of chicken 4,850 pesos, and rice ranges from 280 to 350 pesos per pound.
In March, the government admitted that "living on 6,000 pesos is impossible," as reports from locals recount going up to three days without meals. The country has seen a dramatic 74% increase in deaths from malnutrition between 2022 and 2023.
The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts a 7.2% contraction of Cuba's GDP by 2026, amounting to a 23% decline since 2019. Meanwhile, 80% of Cubans view this crisis as more severe than the Special Period of the 1990s.
Propaganda and Reality: A Stark Contrast
Morales Ojeda's call aligns with a larger propaganda initiative that has unfolded during early April. Recently, members of the Union of Young Communists traversed Havana's Malecón on bicycles and scooters—necessitated by fuel shortages—chanting slogans for the 64th anniversary of the organization.
Consistently, Morales Ojeda utilizes X to attribute Cuba's difficulties solely to the "blockade" and "imperialism," sidestepping any governmental accountability.
In December 2024, Morales Ojeda claimed that "half a million" people attended a People's March against the embargo, a figure analysts reduced to approximately 14,000 based on aerial footage.
In November 2025, after accusing the independent platform El Toque of "manipulating" Cuba's economy to serve the United States, users responded candidly: "The government doesn’t need help to depress the people's income," one remarked. Another was more blunt: "Lies, the only ones responsible for the country's crisis are you."
Energy Crisis Deepens
The energy situation worsened following the halt of Venezuelan oil supplies—ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 barrels daily—after Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026, compounded by over 240 new sanctions from the Trump administration.
As Morales Ojeda appeals to "keep our history of struggle alive," Cuba anticipates a fiscal deficit of 74,500 million pesos for 2026, with expenditures of 550,590 million and revenues of just 484,121 million.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis in contemporary history, characterized by severe power outages, high inflation, and shortages of basic goods. The minimum wage is significantly low, making it difficult for citizens to afford basic necessities.
How is the Cuban government responding to the crisis?
The Cuban government, through figures like Roberto Morales Ojeda, continues to blame the U.S. embargo and imperialism for the nation's struggles, while announcing initiatives aimed at promoting patriotism and ideological unity among citizens.
What are the prospects for Cuba's economy in the coming years?
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Cuba's GDP is expected to contract by 7.2% by 2026, adding to a steep decline since 2019. The economic outlook remains bleak as the country faces ongoing challenges and external pressures.