Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban leader, has admitted that five out of the 176 economic and social measures announced by the Cuban regime are yet to be implemented. This comes despite the government's claim of having approved 215 legal frameworks to support these initiatives.
The president described these pending measures as the most controversial within the economic program, yet he did not specify which measures they are or why their implementation is delayed due to controversies.
These remarks were made on Monday, November 2, during a report by the Cuban Presidency following a meeting with over fifty executives involved in a training exercise on the reforms. This session took place at the Superior School for State and Government Cadres.
According to Díaz-Canel, by the end of October, 171 of the 176 measures had completed their legal groundwork, with 215 regulations approved to facilitate their implementation.
While he assured that work is ongoing to establish the necessary provisions for the remaining five measures, he did not provide a timeline for their completion.
Extensive Legal Overhaul for Economic Reforms
The 176 measures were initially unveiled in June by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz at the National Assembly of People's Power. The comprehensive package spans 23 thematic areas, proposing changes across nearly every economic sector—from wages, pensions, and subsidies to foreign trade, foreign investment, banking, state enterprise operations, and private sector activities.
Noteworthy proposals include the authorization of private financial institutions, establishment of private exchange houses, expanded investment opportunities, and easing restrictions on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Additionally, changes in wage policy, price formation, agricultural product marketing, and the gradual removal of general subsidies were announced. The magnitude of these changes necessitated a broad legislative review by the government.
In June, officials acknowledged the need to amend more than 148 legal provisions and to approve 32 higher-ranking norms to support the intended changes. Since then, official assessments have focused primarily on the number of measures prepared and regulations approved.
Questionable Economic Impact
In July, Díaz-Canel reported that 120 measures were ready for implementation. By September, Marrero announced that 155 measures had legal backing. On October 2, the government stated that 197 regulations were approved, and 160 implementation proposals were designed. A month later, Díaz-Canel updated the figures to 215 regulations approved and 171 transformations with completed legal bases.
However, the report released this Monday lacks comparable economic results to assess the collective impact of these measures on production, inflation, wages, or supply.
Economists Challenge Lack of Stabilization Plans
Beyond the legal progress proclaimed by the government, independent specialists have questioned the design and scope of the program. In August, Cuban economist Pedro Monreal highlighted the absence of specific macroeconomic stabilization measures, a significant omission amid monetary imbalances, inflation, and declining production.
Monreal criticized the government's attempt to introduce structural changes without first establishing a coherent framework to stabilize the economy. He summed up his critique with the phrase "putting the cart before the horse."
Common Questions About Cuba's Economic Measures
What are the five pending economic measures in Cuba?
The specific measures have not been disclosed by Díaz-Canel, but they are described as the most controversial within the economic program.
Why are these measures controversial?
No details have been provided on the reasons for the controversy, but it is implied that these measures may face significant opposition or have complex implications.
What sectors do the 176 measures cover?
The measures span across various sectors, including wages, pensions, subsidies, foreign trade, investment, banking, state enterprises, and private activities.