Videos of the protests shared on several social media platforms showed residents expressing anger at prevailing food shortages in the country while demanding access to coronavirus vaccines. In response to the protests, Diaz-Canel delivered a televised address where he blamed U.S. trade sanctions as the cause behind Cuba’s economic woes. That’s the percentage by which Cuba’s national economy contracted in 2020 as it dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Reuters. As of June 2021, the Cuban economy has shrunk an additional 2%, resulting in major shortages of basic goods. Further ReadingCubans Denounce ‘Misery’ in Biggest Protests in Decades (New York Times)Cuba sees biggest protests for decades as pandemic adds to woes (Reuters)Cubans take to streets in rare protests over lack of freedoms and worsening economy (CNN)

Source: Forbes July 12, 2021 13:26 UTC