This past Friday, renowned actor Luis Alberto García took to Facebook to express his skepticism about the 176 economic measures recently announced by the Cuban National Assembly. His post, written under challenging circumstances — "in the dark, with heat, mosquitoes, and a terrible mood," as he candidly described — paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by millions of Cubans.
Rather than focusing on the specifics of the economic measures, García questions the timing: Why now? He argues that foresight is a fundamental political virtue that the Cuban government has consistently neglected for decades.
He describes the situation as an "unforgivable lack of foresight," citing the dismantling of the sugar industry, the disappearance of the fishing fleet, the neglect of salt and coffee production, and the prioritization of hotel construction while the electrical system crumbled. "True sovereignty lies in the ability to generate electricity, and thus wealth," he asserts.
The Shift to Renewable Energy: A Missed Opportunity
García highlights that over the past forty years, the world has been shifting towards renewable energy while Cuba focused on endeavors that yield little to no benefit for its residents. He questions whether the government ever had advisers who warned them about the fragility of their external alliances — first with the Soviet bloc and later with Venezuelan oil. "Do they have them today? Are they competent? Or are they more obedient than courageous and realistic?" he asks.
Assessing the New Reforms
In response to the reforms introduced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero — including private banking for the first time since 1959, private exchange houses, foreign franchises, and the gradual introduction of VAT — García remains doubtful. He states, "I don't believe the upcoming measures, which are not at all pleasing (as has been stated), will achieve the desired effect. They are untimely, under various pressures, and fail to publicly acknowledge long-standing injustices and errors or apologize to the entire nation, both residents and non-residents. They will encounter obstacles built on negligence, stubbornness, and excessive suspicions."
Historical Context and Skepticism
García recalls similar proposals being rejected for decades, mentioning the ousting of Humberto Pérez and his team from the Central Planning Board for suggesting reforms "far less conciliatory than those proposed now," as well as the Project Varela's similar ideas. Those advocating for change from civil society were labeled as "centrists, fifth columnists, and potential traitors."
He also warns of an "immeasurable anthropological damage," where survival tactics like theft, double standards, fear of speaking out, and promoting the most obedient rather than the most capable have become normalized. Repairing this damage, he notes, "will be a monumental task and take a long time."
García questions the trust these measures might inspire in potential investors, especially after hearing a political commissioner on national television assert that the Party is above the Constitution. "Can anyone in their right mind trust investing here?" he asks.
He concludes his reflection with a clear stance: "I'm not a pessimist. Cautious, yes. More than the eastern river. And I've been disbelieving for a while now." This statement comes shortly after García publicly demanded that Cuban leaders experience the same hardships as the people: hunger, blackouts, and lack of medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luis Alberto García's Critique
What are the key aspects of the economic measures announced by the Cuban government?
The measures include the introduction of private banking, private exchange houses, foreign franchises, and a gradual adoption of VAT.
Why does Luis Alberto García doubt the effectiveness of these measures?
García believes the measures are untimely and face numerous challenges due to a history of governmental negligence and stubbornness, as well as a lack of public acknowledgment of past mistakes.
What does García suggest is the true path to sovereignty for Cuba?
He argues that true sovereignty lies in the country's ability to generate electricity and, consequently, wealth.