The Daily

Cubans Take to the Streets

Jul 15, 2021

In this insightful discussion, Ernesto Londoño, the Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times with a focus on Cuban affairs, unpacks the recent mass protests in Cuba, marking the first significant unrest in decades. He explores why citizens are expressing their grievances over food and medicine shortages, fueled by economic collapse and government repression. Londoño highlights the role of social media in mobilizing protesters and examines the broader implications for U.S. policy and potential shifts in immigration as Cubans seek new opportunities.

26:47

Creator website

Episode guests

Ernesto Londoño

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Crisis and Protest in Cuba

8min

Cuba's Economic Crisis: Causes and Consequences

10min

Shifting Immigration Landscape and U.S. Policy Impact on Cuba

2min

Cuba and Global Challenges

7min

This episode contains strong language.

It was a surprise to many recently when protesters took to the streets in a small town near Havana to express their grievances with Cuba’s authoritarian government. Cubans do not protest in huge numbers.

Even more remarkable: The protests spread across the island.

Why are Cubans protesting, and what happens next?

Guest: Ernesto Londoño, the Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times, covering the southern cone of South America.

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Background reading:

Thousands of Cubans have taken to the streets in cities around their country to protest food and medicine shortages, in a remarkable eruption of discontent not seen in nearly 30 years.
Security forces arrested dozens of protesters after a wave of demonstrations on Sunday. But dissidents expressed hope the protests would lead to lasting change.

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