Mainstream news describe the economic situation is Cuba as extreme, see for example, this article by CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/22/americas/cuba-crisis-energy-economy-intl-latam
Is that true? How to get a realistic account of the current situation in Cuba? Is United States blockade getting worse?
Edit. Added a mainstream source and re-stated my question in a more neutral tone.
Long story short, the embargo made COVID especially difficult for getting critical vaccines in Cuba, and especially hurt their tourism industry. On top of this, their electrical grid is seriously harmed. The good news is that they are getting tons of solar panels from the PRC, and Vietnam is also providing support.
The people still support their government, but are obviously very upset right now. They overwhelmingly blame the US Empire and their blockade, which is just an open tool of economic warfare.
That’s a great point that I forgot to include in my post!
Including some links in case anyone is interested in how elections in Cuba work.
Good Video on the History of Cuban Elections and how they work.
Some Cuban voters on Election Day