Cuban broadcaster Laritza Camacho took to Facebook to share her thoughts, transforming the regime's slogan "Siempre es 26" into a stark illustration of its failure as the 73rd anniversary of the Moncada attack approaches.
Camacho succinctly dismantles the slogan, stating, "They've repeated it ad nauseam. What they are really saying is that nothing changes, everything stays the same, and they want it to continue that way."
Pointing directly to the government's hypocrisy, the Cuban radio and TV presenter highlights how while the regime fills squares with loudspeakers and slogans, the people suffer the consequences of a collapsing electrical system.
"They've filled the plazas, and your megawatts are slipping away through the loudspeakers of each slogan. The breaker thief is also shouting that it’s always the 26th," Camacho writes, condemning the widespread theft of automatic switches and electric meters, a phenomenon revealing the country's chaotic state.
Government Prioritizes Political Events Over Basic Needs
As Cuba grapples with an energy crisis, the government gears up for the central July 26 event in Pinar del Río, a province enduring over two years without regular potable water in several municipalities, 30-hour power outages, and a hepatitis A outbreak noted in June.
The regime quickly mobilized hundreds of workers to restore the Milanés Theater for the political event, yet allocated no resources to address the water, electricity, or health crises plaguing the area.
Economic Reforms Deemed a Facade
Camacho also critiques the 176 economic measures approved in June, which include allowing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with unlimited workers, the possibility for one person to own multiple private businesses, and the authorization for private banking.
To the broadcaster, these reforms are merely superficial: "Every measure they take is to solidify their control and luxury."
She asserts, "Private means theirs. Pull the thread, and you'll find them," highlighting the regime's continued grip on power.
Mounting Social Tensions
Camacho's reflection surfaces amid intense social unrest. The Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded 107 street protests in June, a historic high, while Cubalex reported 253 demonstrations and 319 repressive events during the same month.
Addressing those who applaud or hope for a change that remains elusive, Camacho warns bluntly: "If you decide to postpone your life thinking tomorrow's another day, you're wasting your time. The horizon has a head start on you. The world moves at 5G speed, and you lack connectivity, breakers, money to replace what thieves steal, or a single day that's not the 26th."
This isn't the first time the broadcaster has challenged the regime so directly.
On July 11, she posted on the same social network: "I oppose the Cuban government because the Cuban government is against Cuba."
Cuba's economy has shrunk between 15% and 23% since 2019-2020, with ECLAC projecting an additional 6.5% decline for this year.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What is the significance of "Siempre es 26" in Cuban politics?
"Siempre es 26" is a regime slogan commemorating the July 26, 1953, attack on the Moncada Barracks, a pivotal event in the Cuban Revolution. It symbolizes the regime's continuity and resistance to change.
How is Cuba's energy crisis affecting its citizens?
The energy crisis has led to prolonged power outages, impacting daily life and essential services. This has exacerbated existing hardships, with many areas also lacking consistent access to potable water.
Why are the new economic measures considered insufficient by critics?
Critics argue that the economic measures are superficial, designed to give the appearance of reform while maintaining the regime's control over the economy and resources.