Amidst one of the most severe economic downturns Cuba has experienced in decades, compounded by an unfavorable global environment, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has once again urged a shift in mindset to navigate the crisis.
This call was made during the extraordinary sessions of the Communist Party in the provinces of Granma and Holguín. The president urged the abandonment of an "import-oriented mindset" in favor of domestic production, emphasizing that Cuba has the potential to produce many of the goods it currently imports.
In Granma, where the meeting was held against a backdrop of food shortages and ongoing agricultural challenges, Díaz-Canel acknowledged significant issues in the planting of root vegetables, milk collection, and contracts with producers—problems directly impacting Cuban dining tables.
Faced with this scenario, he stressed that the nation cannot continue spending foreign currency on importing finished goods that could be produced locally, especially as the population struggles with empty markets and prohibitive prices.
This rhetoric, which has been echoed for years, stands in stark contrast to the everyday reality of millions of families who see no tangible improvements in their access to essential foods. Although the government speaks about boosting domestic production and granting more autonomy to state enterprises, scarcity, power outages, and inadequate wages remain persistent issues.
In Granma, party officials also admitted to failures in market circulation, fiscal control, and meeting production targets, yet they promised that the situation could be turned around by 2026.
Similar promises were made in Holguín, where the Party reiterated priorities such as increasing agricultural production, boosting exports, and strengthening ideological control, with a particular focus on the youth.
Beyond the diagnostics and slogans, the official emphasis on "thinking differently" sidelines a crucial question for many Cubans: How does this change in mindset translate into food on the table, electrical stability, and actual economic relief?
As the political discourse oscillates between calls for unity, references to external threats, and appeals for sacrifice, daily life remains beset by uncertainty and the struggle to survive.
Exploring Cuba's Economic Strategies and Challenges
What is Díaz-Canel urging Cubans to change in terms of economic mindset?
Díaz-Canel is advocating for a shift away from an import-reliant mindset towards increasing domestic production, emphasizing that Cuba can produce many of the goods it currently imports.
How does the current economic crisis in Cuba affect its citizens?
The economic crisis has led to severe food shortages, frequent power outages, and inadequate wages, making it difficult for citizens to access basic necessities and maintain a stable quality of life.
What challenges did officials in Granma acknowledge during the Communist Party sessions?
Officials admitted to significant issues in market circulation, fiscal control, and failing to meet production plans, but expressed optimism that these challenges could be overcome by 2026.