Between September 19 and October 14, a trio from the Turin-based association OnBorders embarked on a journey through parts of Cuba, culminating in a revealing report published Thursday in Civico20 News. The article paints a stark picture of a nation teetering on the brink: heritage cities devoid of tourists, streets cluttered with trash, extensive power outages, and monthly wages scarcely reaching 13 euros.
Journalist Claudio Cravero, anthropologist Piero Gorza, and photographer Enrico Carpegna visited Baracoa, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Santa Clara, and Cienfuegos, witnessing widespread desolation.
"It was just the three of us alongside a handful of other tourists wandering through deserted streets and surreal, empty plazas," Cravero observed. He noted that hotels and restaurants, once bustling year-round before the pandemic, now remain closed or nearly empty.
Visitor statistics reinforce these observations: From January to August 2026, Cuba welcomed only 450,353 international travelers, marking a 64.4% decline from the same period in 2025, with August alone seeing a contraction exceeding 77%.
Electricity shortages form the backdrop of this narrative. Cravero noted that even Old Havana, a "privileged" area of the capital, receives merely two to three hours of power daily.
Without electricity, water pumps fail, waste collection halts due to fuel shortages, and residents navigate the sweltering nights with flashlights. During the day, extended lines for bread and bank services are commonplace.
"The scarcity of gasoline, available only at exorbitant prices on the black market, cripples businesses and public services," the report highlights.
The article warns that hospitals face potentially deadly consequences from power outages, as demonstrated on October 17 when Cárdenas hospital had to transfer intensive care patients to Faustino Pérez due to an electrical failure.
Salaries reflect another harsh reality of the crisis. The report reveals that a nurse with three decades of experience earns 8,000 pesos monthly, equivalent to about nine euros; a university vice-rector earns 9,000 pesos (ten euros); and a doctor makes between 10,000 and 12,000 pesos, roughly 11 to 13 euros.
"There is widespread dissatisfaction with the extremely low wages, which have not kept pace with rising inflation, partially driven by the embargo; in fact, inflation reached 25% in August," the article states.
Pharmacies are depicted with "bleak, empty shelves, devoid of medications," which are only obtainable at inflated prices on the black market.
Overall, the Italian team found "a general discontent with a government that, over the years, has done nothing to prevent or alleviate this vast inequality that, before the Trump administration, led to over 2 million people leaving the country."
Cuba's Current Challenges and Economic Struggles
What are the current economic conditions in Cuba?
Cuba is facing severe economic challenges, characterized by extremely low wages, high inflation, and a significant drop in international tourism.
How is the electricity crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The electricity crisis leads to limited power availability, affecting water supply, waste collection, and healthcare services, while forcing residents to endure long lines for basic necessities.
What impact has the lack of tourists had on Cuba's economy?
The significant decline in tourism has led to closed or underutilized hotels and restaurants, further exacerbating economic difficulties by reducing a vital source of revenue.