
Because Utopian Socialist Dictatorships work for well ‘for the people.’
Cubans have reacted with shock after foreign-made cars went on sale for the first time since the 1959 revolution at what some termed “crazy” prices.
The state has a monopoly on new car sales and has set massive mark-ups.
A Peugeot 508 is listed at $262,000. Peugeot’s UK website puts prices from $29,000. State salaries in Cuba average about $20 a month.
Freeing up car sales is the latest in a series of reforms. A permit to buy new vehicles is now no longer required.
However, only a minority will benefit.
The BBC’s Sarah Rainsford, in Havana, says the stream of people at one used-car store in Havana’s upmarket Miramar district were in for a shock. She says the most commonly uttered phrases were “this is madness” and “what a lack of respect”, referring to the government.
One of those outside the dealership, Suzanne, told the BBC: “The prices are crazy. No Cuban who works for the state can buy at that price. They have zero chance of getting a car.”
Another, Antonio, said: “We’re speechless, it’s a big surprise. I don’t know what the government’s strategy is. Maybe this is just a test phase. But the prices are excessive.”
The government argues profits will be placed in a special fund to develop public transport…But one Cuban resident, Daniel Rojas, asked: “At these prices, how many people can buy the cars? So where’s the money to invest in public transport if no-one can buy them?”
If the government gave every newborn one car for life, Earth’s problems would be solved. Raw materials and energy would be saved, and pollution vastly reduced by not making cars over and over mostly to sooth our alter egos (social issues solved), and we’d have full employment maintaining them. Same with stoves and refrigerators. Motorcycles excepted.
This could be solved by implementing the ACA: the Affordable Car Act. Oh wait …
The price of DB’s favorite car, the Chevy Volt, is really $400,000. 😉
Welcome to post de Blasio New York City.
Only the upper crust super elite gets what they want, the rest can go pound sand. Isn’t socialism/communism great.