Cuba's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, cast a critical eye on the management of the nation's officials, accusing them of being "inept" and lacking concern for the issues troubling the public. On Saturday, Marrero met with residents in Gibara, whom he represents in the National Assembly of People's Power, to hear their grievances, as reported by the state-run television news (NTV).
According to the report, Marrero Cruz heard complaints about difficulties in accessing employment opportunities, delays in administrative processes, and shortages of medications. He attributed these issues to "ineptitude, bureaucracy, and the insensitivity of certain officials."
Addressing Bureaucracy and Insensitivity
"The first thing we need to eliminate is inefficiency and bureaucracy. Some officials lack the necessary sensitivity for these times, to engage with the people. Others are too afraid to sit down and listen to the citizens' concerns face-to-face. We have to fix this," the Prime Minister remarked.
The process of holding elected officials accountable to their constituents, which began last Friday in Cuba and will continue until November 20, is being heavily promoted in state media. This "dialogue" between the public and officials is orchestrated by the Communist Party and the authorities of an authoritarian regime.
Suppressing Critical Voices
From the halls of government, any critical exercise that questions the regime's legitimacy is quickly branded as "counter-revolutionary." Despite claims of democratic representation, the regime uses constant references to the "blockade" to justify its mismanagement and the worsening crisis in the country.
Determined to portray its representative system as "democratic," the Cuban regime has launched this accountability process, mobilizing its mass organizations and repressive bodies to prepare the stage.
Fears of Genuine Debate
With the nation facing what might be its most severe crisis ever, authorities fear genuine debates in local constituencies could inflame public sentiment. Thus, they emphasize the accountability process as essential for "socialist and revolutionary democracy."
"We need to review our work system; we must be aware of all the numerous issues we face," stressed Marrero, highlighting the importance of the accountability process for strengthening grassroots governance, according to NTV.
Grassroots Concerns
During the meeting, Maura Muñoz Andaya, a resident of Cayo Muñoz, voiced her neighbors' concerns. "Sometimes we receive a detergent, or small bottles of oil. Once, we got 4 pounds of rice for 140 pesos, which we appreciated. But we need a steady, daily supply so we can buy what we need when we need it," the elderly woman noted.
Her modest words, a needle in the haystack of complaints, prompted Marrero Cruz to commend the "open exchange between voters and their delegate."
"We have decided to start an accountability process like the one we just had here. Only in a Revolution do we call upon the people, despite all our problems, because we need this interaction, this encounter. We need the people's support to change things and improve the situation, but with the Revolution, the one Fidel and Raúl built," the Prime Minister concluded, expressing gratitude for the voters' support of the so-called "revolution."