In a nearly hour-long interview with Brazilian journalist Mônica Bergamo for Folha de S.Paulo, Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly dismissed claims that Cuba is adopting capitalist reforms to navigate its deepest crisis in decades.
When confronted by Bergamo with the presence of private ownership, employers and employees, dollar stores, and rising social inequality, the Cuban leader straightforwardly stated, "There are no capitalist reforms. Let me clarify."
Díaz-Canel insisted that the ongoing changes are "necessary concessions" within the socialist construction process, not a return to capitalism. He emphasized that the Communist Party ensures the process does not lead to a systemic shift.
"These are essential reforms to enhance socialist construction. Expanding a private sector is not a socialist ideal for us. It is a concession," he declared.
Justifying these concessions, Díaz-Canel invoked Fidel Castro: "Principles are non-negotiable and unchangeable, but there are times when concessions are necessary to protect those principles."
Comparing to Past Economic Adjustments
He compared the current situation to the Special Period of the 1990s, when Cuba also opened foreign currency stores and sought foreign investments after the Soviet collapse. The 176 economic measures approved by the National Assembly on June 19, driven by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, were presented as the result of over a decade of internal party debate, not a concession to Washington.
Díaz-Canel attributed the Cuban crisis primarily to the U.S. embargo, labeling it as "genocide" and a "crime." He revealed that in the past seven months, only one oil shipment—a 100,000-ton Russian humanitarian aid—has reached the island, which requires seven fuel shipments monthly.
This shortage has left 100 MW of distributed generation capacity unused, leading to power outages lasting over 20, 30, and even 40 hours daily. The electricity generation deficit exceeded 2,411 MW in early August, marking a historic high.
Health and Social Impact
The leader also highlighted the crisis's impact on health: over 64,000 children with outdated vaccination schedules, more than 34,000 pregnant women without ultrasound access, infant mortality doubling from historical rates, a surgery waitlist of over 98,000 patients—including 12,000 children—and only 30% of essential medications available.
When asked by Bergamo about the so-called "internal blockade"—a term used by Cubans to describe bureaucracy and government mismanagement—Díaz-Canel dismissed it. "We hear it, but it's not the case." He acknowledged "dissatisfaction with certain bureaucratic elements and delays" but maintained that the primary cause of the crisis is the external embargo.
Regarding dialogue with Washington, Díaz-Canel admitted fearing U.S. military action and noted that communication with the Trump administration is "very stalled," though Cuban officials have met with Washington counterparts without making tangible progress.
The president justified protest repression by alleging that the United States "pays people in Cuba to promote social demands" that lead to "vandalism." His account contrasts with data from the Cuban Observatory of Conflicts, which recorded 1,415 protests, complaints, and critical expressions in July 2026 alone, the highest number of demonstrations in recent Cuban history.
Díaz-Canel mentioned he has about two years remaining as president and three in the Communist Party's leadership, ending the interview with optimism: "We will overcome this moment because justice is on our side."
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Political Challenges
What does Díaz-Canel claim about capitalist reforms in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel asserts that Cuba is not implementing capitalist reforms, but rather making necessary concessions to strengthen socialist construction.
How does Díaz-Canel justify current economic measures?
He claims these measures are the result of over a decade of internal debate within the Communist Party and not concessions to foreign pressures.
What impact does the U.S. embargo have on Cuba, according to Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel blames the U.S. embargo for the severe crisis in Cuba, citing it as the main reason for shortages and economic difficulties.
What are the health impacts mentioned by Díaz-Canel?
He highlighted issues such as outdated vaccination schedules for children, limited access to ultrasounds for pregnant women, increased infant mortality, and a large surgery waitlist.