The Cuban chess Grandmaster Lázaro Bruzón sharply criticized the recent public appearances of Miguel Díaz-Canel at the XXII Congress of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba. In a social media post, Bruzón voiced the frustration shared by millions of Cubans towards the leader and the oppressive system he symbolizes.
"I am confident this feeling is not just mine; 99% of Cubans share it. Witnessing someone like Díaz-Canel fronting our nation, uttering lies and absurdities without flinching, without repercussions, is infuriating. He continues to embody the worst - evil, failure, and the burden that keeps the country tethered to the abyss. With so much potential and so many talented Cubans, yet we endure this. It's disheartening," Bruzón expressed.
The catalyst for Bruzón's comments were Díaz-Canel's interventions at Havana's Palacio de Convenciones, where on Friday the 26th, he addressed 759 delegates — 561 participating via videoconference due to the ongoing energy crisis. He defended the 176 economic transformations approved on June 18 by the Communist Party's Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Council of Ministers.
During his speech, Díaz-Canel denied that the reforms were a response to external pressures, asserting that the measures were not concessions to Washington but a sovereign decision. He also rebuffed claims of a shift towards capitalism, though he acknowledged that "more elements of private property, private production, capitalism, and market" would inevitably be introduced.
His remarks starkly contrast with a reality that is contradicted by the numbers. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) forecasts a 6.5% drop in Cuba's GDP by 2026, the worst in Latin America for the second consecutive year. Economist Pedro Monreal warns the decline could reach 15%.
Pensions hover around 3,300 pesos monthly, less than seven dollars, while a box of 30 eggs in the private market costs 3,600 pesos. The basic cost of living exceeds 96,000 pesos monthly, and national food production has plummeted by 67% over five years.
Monreal described the 176 measures as a "monstrous" or "deformed hybrid," pointing out that the word "allow" appears 29 times in the document, indicating a logic of revocable concession rather than the acknowledgment of a right. He has also previously noted the deeply anti-worker nature of the reform package. The U.S. Department of State deemed them "superficial smoke signals" on the day of their approval.
Bruzón's post sparked a flood of reactions online, with many expressing shame, outrage, and exasperation. Several agreed that the leader acts with complete indifference to public opinion, lying "with cold calm" knowing that no one believes him, and that the system rewards incompetence while punishing merit. One comment encapsulated the general sentiment: "Meanwhile, the country continues its descent into the abyss, and the people suffer."
Bruzón, who left Cuba in 2018 and now resides in Missouri, has long been one of the outspoken critics within the diaspora. On June 11, he criticized the regime's "cyber combatants," asserting that "free Cubans speak from real profiles." He has also declared on numerous occasions that he will only return to the island when the nation is "free and democratic."
FAQs on Díaz-Canel's Economic Reforms and Public Reaction
What are the key components of the 176 economic transformations approved by the Cuban government?
The economic transformations involve the introduction of more private property, private production, and market elements, as part of an effort to address the nation's ongoing economic challenges.
Why did Lázaro Bruzón criticize Díaz-Canel's public speeches?
Lázaro Bruzón criticized Díaz-Canel for embodying what he sees as the worst aspects of the current regime, including dishonesty and a failure to improve the country's dire situation.
How has the economic situation in Cuba affected its citizens?
Cuban citizens face significant challenges, including low pensions, high cost of living, and a steep decline in national food production, exacerbating the country's economic difficulties.