Lis Cuesta Peraza, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, took to the social media platform X on Tuesday, October 20th, in recognition of Cuban Culture Day. In her message, she acknowledged the "corrosive daily life" faced by Cubans, attributing it to "imperialists."
"Let not the 'corrosive daily life' imposed on us by imperialists hinder our celebration of a robust Culture, the 'Shield and Sword of our Nation,'" Cuesta wrote on her official X account.
Her post included a short video, approximately 35 seconds long, marked with the Aguaje Films logo, depicting scenes from the Cuban wars of independence featuring the mambises.
Cuesta's comments indirectly acknowledge the harsh living conditions in Cuba. However, by blaming "imperialists" for these realities, she avoids addressing the internal issues plaguing the country, such as inflation, food shortages, and the deterioration of essential services.
Current Challenges Facing Cuba
Cuesta's message arrived at a time when Cuban authorities admitted that around 2.5 million people have been entirely or partially deprived of potable water supply. The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources largely blamed these interruptions on an energy crisis, which hampers the continuous operation of pumping stations.
Furthermore, CiberCuba's daily monitoring of blackouts revealed that during peak demand hours on Tuesday, the available power was just 970 MW against a demand of 2,820 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,850 MW and an anticipated impact of 1,880 MW.
Soaring Food Prices and Healthcare Crisis
The rising cost of food is another severe issue affecting families. Recent official statistics show that between January and September 2026, prices rose by 24.85%, while the year-on-year inflation rate reached 28.44%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 73.39% of the monthly increase recorded in September.
The healthcare crisis offers no respite either. Earlier in October, Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged a severe shortage of medications. A CBS News report from Havana highlighted testimonies from doctors lacking essential drugs to treat patients, along with citizens relying on donations for their necessary treatments.
The Ministry of Public Health reported a rise in communicable diseases linked to issues with water supply, sanitation, and waste accumulation. The spread of dengue and chikungunya further exacerbates conditions in Havana neighborhoods burdened with uncollected garbage for months.
Historical Context: From "Bad Times" to "Corrosive Daily Life"
This isn't the first time Lis Cuesta has publicly admitted the challenges Cuba faces. On March 8th, during her International Women's Day greeting, she acknowledged the country's difficult times.
"Bad times are upon us, but without you, they would be worse," she shared in a message dedicated to Cuban women.
Those words sparked criticism from users who condemned the gap between official statements and the population's living conditions.
In June, following the U.S. decision to include Cuesta among those sanctioned by the Trump administration, she again used X to respond defiantly.
"Regarding the sanctions: it is almost an honor to be on that 'list,'" she declared at the time.
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Social Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's current economic struggles?
Cuba's economic difficulties stem from a combination of internal issues like inflation, food shortages, and deteriorating services, alongside external pressures attributed to U.S. sanctions and global economic conditions.
How has the energy crisis impacted daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to significant power shortages, affecting water supply and the operation of essential services, thereby exacerbating the daily challenges faced by the Cuban population.
What role does food inflation play in Cuba's economic challenges?
Food inflation has severely impacted Cuban families, with significant price increases affecting access to basic necessities, contributing to the overall economic strain.