In a compelling street interview conducted by American YouTuber Nick Shirley, a Cuban resident in Havana delivered one of the most candid critiques of communism recently captured on video. Released on Saturday, the footage has already garnered around 300,000 views on X.
The most striking part of the interview features the man speaking with rare candor about the hunger crisis, the ruling elite's corruption, and his hopes for U.S. intervention.
"The worst thing that has ever existed in life is communism," the interviewee stated boldly, explaining that while the system promised equality, it only enriches those in power.
"They are the ones with everything. They have electricity, the newest cars, oil, gasoline, everything. And the people have nothing," he lamented.
The Harsh Reality of Rationing
He detailed the inadequacies of the ration book system: "How can you survive on a ration book that only provides three pounds of sugar and one pound of salt?" he questioned.
The man further revealed that eggs haven't been available through the ration book for a year. "Imagine going a year without an egg," he noted.
He also criticized the handling of humanitarian aid from abroad, stating, "The remittances and aid you send are sold back to us. The help never reaches the people."
A System in Collapse
Summarizing the collapse of the socialist system, he stated, "We have no electricity, no food, no medicine, no basic hospital needs. No human being can live like this."
A woman in the video refused to speak on camera out of fear of imprisonment. "If you publish that video, I will go to jail," she confessed.
The main interviewee issued a stark warning to those in the United States who support socialism. "The worst decision you can make is to embrace socialism or communism," he cautioned, noting that only those like the Castro family or those benefiting from the regime support it.
A Plea for Change
Addressing former President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio, he pleaded, "I'm waiting for you, please, so we can live as people, live as human beings, because we're living worse than animals."
The video was recorded on April 30, during Cuba's most severe humanitarian crisis in decades. According to data from the video, seven out of ten Cubans face hunger, and the average monthly salary is a meager $14.
On the black market, a liter of gasoline costs $10, equivalent to about $40 per gallon.
The fuel crisis worsened following the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, disrupting Venezuela's oil supply to Cuba. The island requires eight fuel shipments per month, yet since December 2025, only one has arrived.
During the filming, Shirley was trailed by Cuban intelligence agents and interrogated at 4 a.m. by a two-star general before fleeing the country.
The regime responded through its media outlet, Razones de Cuba, dismissing the account as "pure anti-communist script."
This video adds to a growing trend of international creators documenting the crisis. Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica released a documentary in 2025 that amassed nearly 30 million views, but none have gone as far as Shirley in revealing the everyday fear under the dictatorship.
Currently, Cuba holds 775 political prisoners, highlighting the repressive context in which the interviewees bravely spoke out.
Understanding Cuba's Crisis
What is the current humanitarian crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing its worst humanitarian crisis in decades, characterized by widespread hunger, shortages of basic necessities, and an average monthly salary of just $14.
Why is there a fuel crisis in Cuba?
The fuel crisis in Cuba worsened after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, disrupting the supply of Venezuelan oil. The country requires eight shipments monthly but has received only one since December 2025.
How is the Cuban government responding to criticisms?
The Cuban government, through its media outlet Razones de Cuba, has dismissed criticisms as "pure anti-communist script," despite the growing evidence of a severe crisis.