A faculty member from the Communist Party school in Las Tunas has raised concerns that the set of 176 economic and social transformations recently approved by the Cuban government inherently includes the notion of "class distinction." This could potentially lead to the formation of a "protobourgeoisie" that might eventually challenge the very system that created it.
"These measures inherently contain the concept of class distinction, which we have avoided since January 1. This implies the reemergence of wealth in Cuban society," stated Eugenio Ramos, the professor in question, during an interview published Friday by the official newspaper 26. He emphasized that this phenomenon is already becoming apparent.
Ramos's statement marks one of the most direct warnings from within the regime's ideological apparatus about the social risks associated with the reforms, which were approved during an extraordinary session of the National Assembly last June.
The professor candidly acknowledged that the reforms mean accepting the presence of "capitalist production relations" within the Cuban economy. He cautioned about the danger of new large-scale entrepreneurs and property owners demanding changes that benefit them individually, potentially leaving the majority unprotected.
"The challenge is to ensure these major entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and property owners do not evolve into classic-style bourgeoisie," he cautioned.
Ramos further pointed out that if market forces and socialist planning fail to align, "a protobourgeoisie might emerge that could eventually question the very system that birthed it."
Concerns Over Approval and Citizen Participation
The professor also acknowledged ongoing debates regarding the approval process of these measures and the extent of citizen involvement. He clarified, however, that "the political decision has already been made."
According to Ramos, the responsibility to prevent such a drift lies with the island's sole permitted political organization, the Communist Party. "The Party must harmonize these forces, socialize the ideas, and engage people in understanding the measures. Everyone should feel considered and be prepared to accept the risks," he concluded.
Government's Stance and Public Reaction
Ramos's comments are part of a broader debate that has unsettled the officialdom since the regime enacted the most radical reforms since 1959. These reforms are organized into 23 thematic axes and include the authorization of private banking, removal of the 100-worker limit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the opening of the currency market.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the fear of private capital growth but insisted that the transformations aim to strengthen socialism, not increase capitalism.
Meanwhile, the official press warned in July that the real danger of the opening is not the entrepreneur but "the state official who sees the new regulations as a personal profit opportunity disguised as modernization."
Economist Pedro Monreal described the reform package as "a monster, perhaps more of a deformed hybrid," while The Economist cautioned that these reforms come at a time when Cuba is on the brink of collapse, with an economic contraction exceeding 20% since 2020 and power outages lasting over 24 continuous hours in many areas.
Key Questions About Cuba's Recent Reforms
What are the main concerns about the recent reforms in Cuba?
The main concerns include the potential creation of a class distinction and a protobourgeoisie that could challenge the current regime, as well as the presence of capitalist production relations in the economy.
What measures are included in Cuba's reform package?
The reforms include the authorization of private banking, lifting the worker limit for SMEs, and opening the currency market, among others.
How has the Cuban government responded to fears of increased capitalism?
President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the fear but emphasized that the reforms are intended to strengthen socialism, not to promote more capitalism.