Cuban President admits ‘very difficult’ crisis is causing a spike in ‘social violence, addictions’

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the toll the country’s deepening economic crisis is having on society, saying that it has led to a spike in “violence, addictions and vandalism.”

Speaking to the National Assembly last week, the Cuban leader described the current economic situation as “very difficult” and said that the government is no longer able to effectively provide “the few” products that the population can still access through ration cards.

It was an extremely uncommon admission from a government that has for decades painted a picture of optimism and order and pinned most issues on the decades-long blockade from the U.S.

Looking at crime figures, the Miami Herald reported a 22% spike in homicides in 2021 and “an even higher 131% jump in deaths labeled ‘events of undetermined intent’ between 2016 and 2021.”

Another investigation by Spanish outlet El País detailed how independent media (that is, not controlled by the government, which has a tight grip on information) is reporting more cases of theft and violence.

It recalls a particular example on June 8, when people were attending an event to mark the beginning of the summer. The scene ended up with large disturbances, including fist fights and people wounded amid images of people walking with knives and machetes.

The spike in crime comes as Cuba goes through a grave economic crisis, among the deepest of its already troubled history. “Some might say there have always been violent robberies, murders, killings. But you’re seeing more of it today. The country is deteriorated in every aspect, including its values. The economic crisis is impacting all areas of life,” Nelson González, a lawyer working in the Cuban judiciary told the outlet.

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