During a visit aimed at overseeing the implementation of Cuba's new set of 176 economic and social reforms approved in June, representatives from the National Assembly of People's Power acknowledged that the government's current model does not align with the original socialist ideals envisioned. This acknowledgment took place in Las Tunas.
"This is not the socialism we had envisioned, but rather the one we are capable of building. It's a process that involves the mindset and actions of each individual," the parliamentarians expressed to provincial and municipal authorities, as well as organizational leaders, according to a report from the official newspaper 26.
The meeting was led by Carlos Rafael Fuentes León, the head of the Commission of Local Bodies of Popular Power, who communicated the directives from Esteban Lazo Hernández, the president of the National Assembly, to the local authorities in Las Tunas.
Focus on Community Engagement and Decentralization
One of these directives emphasized the need for the public to perceive their representative bodies as key players in addressing the country's issues. "The population must feel that their representative body is at the heart of the problems," the source emphasized.
Decentralization to municipalities was also a major topic at the meeting. The new regulations grant municipal Development Directors the authority to approve the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a responsibility that requires officials to master current regulations, according to participants.
Ideological Preparation Amid Economic Reform
However, the economic transformation wasn't portrayed solely as an administrative matter. Parliamentary representatives underscored the importance of ideologically preparing both officials and citizens to embrace the new changes. "We must prepare ourselves for what these transformations mean. Above all, we need to deepen the population's understanding, ensuring everyone comprehends the political and ideological content and the reasons behind these implementations," they noted.
The package of 176 economic and social transformations, approved in a special session of the National Assembly, includes significant changes to the economic model. These changes include removing the 100-worker limit for SMEs, opening non-state sectors to foreign investment, and recognizing private enterprises in agriculture.
Political and Ideological Tensions
"We are living through a deeply political and ideological moment," remarked the ANPP representatives in Las Tunas, an admission that subtly exposes the severity of the crisis forcing the government to reluctantly reform the model it has long considered unchangeable.
Despite the official rhetoric, the gap between governmental discourse and the everyday reality of Cubans remains stark.
Recently, Cuban citizen Elizabeth González Aznar publicly challenged President Miguel Díaz-Canel, questioning his claims of representing the people's will and asking on what basis he asserts that he has the backing of the Cuban people to continue constructing socialism. "Why do you say you have the people's support and that they back your government?" she inquired, pointing out that "today the people survive and endure, but do not truly live."
In July, Díaz-Canel assured that the reforms would remain under the Communist Party's control, dismissing any interpretation of genuine market openness. Furthermore, he has persistently emphasized the need to "save" the revolution and the achievements of socialism, once again presenting the ideology of dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) as the key to navigating the country's dire circumstances.
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Social Reforms
What are the new economic and social reforms in Cuba?
The reforms include 176 changes such as removing the 100-worker cap for SMEs, allowing foreign investment in non-state sectors, and recognizing private enterprises in agriculture.
How is the Cuban government addressing decentralization?
Decentralization efforts include granting municipal Development Directors the power to approve the creation of SMEs, requiring officials to be well-versed in existing regulations.
What ideological preparations are being emphasized by Cuban authorities?
Authorities stress the need for both officials and citizens to understand the political and ideological implications of the new reforms, ensuring comprehensive awareness of their purposes.