In an unprecedented move, Miguel Díaz-Canel has established an advisory group of five economists, including some who are known for their critical views and independence from official lines, to develop more ambitious economic reform proposals than those previously made public.
The initiative was confirmed by the EFE agency through three different sources. The group held its initial meeting on Friday, June 13, and convened its first substantive session this past Tuesday.
Concurrently, an institutional process is underway to present these reforms to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) on Wednesday, with the expectation that they will be approved during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly on Thursday.
The most striking aspect of this initiative is its origin. According to EFE, it originated directly from Díaz-Canel's office, bypassing the teams of Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and Minister of Economy and Planning Joaquín Alonso, highlighting the politically sensitive nature of the move.
Reformists and Officials: A Diverse Panel
The core of the advisory group includes three economists who have long advocated for reformist positions through independent media and, in some cases, have been outside official circles: Omar Everleny, Juan Triana, and Julio Carranza. Triana warned in July 2024 of a potential "implosion" of Cuba's economy, while Carranza has argued for reducing hyper-centralized planning and increasing business autonomy.
The other two members represent the official stance: José Luis Rodríguez García, who served as Minister of Economy from 1995 to 2009, and José Carlos del Toro Ríos, president of the National Association of Economists and Accountants (ANEC), both of whom are deputies in the National Assembly.
Shared Goals Amidst Different Perspectives
Despite their differing viewpoints, the five economists agree on general guidelines such as:
- Enhancing the role of the private sector
- Opening the island to foreign investment
- Granting greater autonomy to state-owned enterprises
- Boosting local production
- Addressing the monetary chaos caused by dual currencies, three official exchange rates, and an informal rate
This group is working on the reform package announced by Díaz-Canel on June 12, titled the "Economic and Social Program for 2026," structured around six key areas: economic management system, municipal autonomy, business autonomy, agricultural recovery, foreign trade and investment, and social policy.
Critical Context and International Dynamics
Key measures include allowing municipalities to import and export without intermediaries, enabling state companies to operate free from bureaucratic hindrances and retain foreign currency, and permitting Cubans living abroad to invest on equal terms with foreign actors.
This advisory group's formation comes amidst a severe crisis. Since January 2026, Washington has nearly entirely blocked the entry of oil and derivatives into Cuba—a fact Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged, stating, "in the past five months, only one oil tanker has arrived."
U.S. policies have also led to the withdrawal of hotel chains, shipping companies, airlines, and international banks due to the fear of secondary sanctions linked to GAESA.
Economist Pedro Monreal described the reforms as "belated pragmatism," warning that Cuba "has missed the train of reforms like those in China and Vietnam," encapsulating the skepticism among many analysts about measures that come after years of accumulated decline.
Inviting critical economists to the presidential circle is unprecedented in the recent history of Cuba's dictatorship and contrasts sharply with the usual pattern of internal consultations within the PCC.
However, the approval process remains unchanged: the PCC's Central Committee reviews the reforms on Wednesday, and the National Assembly—which unanimously endorses proposals—will approve them on Thursday. Ordinary Cubans will not have a direct say in the country's direction.
Key Questions About Cuba's Economic Reforms
What is the purpose of Díaz-Canel's new advisory group?
The advisory group, composed of five economists, aims to develop more ambitious economic reform proposals to address Cuba's ongoing crisis, bringing together both critical and official perspectives.
How does this initiative differ from previous efforts?
This initiative is unique as it directly originates from Díaz-Canel's office, involving economists known for their critical views, and contrasts with the usual internal consultations within the Communist Party.
What are the main areas of focus for the proposed reforms?
The proposed reforms focus on six areas: economic management, municipal and business autonomy, agricultural recovery, foreign trade and investment, and social policy.
Why is the context of these reforms critical?
The reforms come at a time of extreme crisis, with U.S. sanctions significantly impacting Cuba's oil imports and international business relations, necessitating urgent and effective economic solutions.