Economist Podcasts Hasta la victoria, hambre: rare protests rock Cuba
Jul 12, 2021
Joining the conversation are Roseanne Lake, a Cuba correspondent for the Economist, and Oliver Morton, the Briefings and Essays editor with a passion for space. They delve into the unprecedented protests in Cuba as citizens voice their demands amidst dire food shortages and government inaction. The duo also explores the implications of Richard Branson's recent space flight on the budding space tourism industry, discussing its potential and challenges. They wrap up with a look at the resilience of England's football team following a narrow championship defeat.
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Cuban Protests
- Cuba is experiencing its largest protests in nearly three decades due to severe food shortages and economic hardship.
- These protests, fueled by unmet needs and lack of freedoms, highlight the growing discontent with the government.
Dire Food Shortages
- Cuba's food shortages are the worst in over two decades, with empty grocery stores and long queues.
- Even farmers are hoarding food due to scarcity, and bakeries use substitutes like corn and yucca for imported wheat flour.
Internal Embargo
- While Cuba blames international sanctions, its internal policies, like the Secopio system, hinder agricultural production.
- Bureaucracy, like the extensive paperwork required to slaughter a cow, further exacerbates the issue.