The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, emphasized on Friday the need to "work hard" and strengthen the relationship with the people as a way to confront the economic and social crisis that is choking the island. However, his remarks, made during the closing of a tour of the municipalities of Jobabo and Colombia, in Las Tunas, once again avoided the adoption of deep structural reforms demanded by broad sectors of society.
In a country burdened by inflation, shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and growing social unrest, Díaz-Canel again relied on administrative solutions and calls for discipline, while reiterating the government's commitment to the forced banking of economic operations.
"All state services and all private services must be banked and must offer the option to pay with a magnetic card," he affirmed according to a report from the official telecenter Tunas Visión, referring to a measure that has generated widespread criticism in a context of constant failures in banking services, limited cash availability, and widespread distrust in state institutions.
The leader acknowledged that the agricultural production sector, vital for the economy, must be one of the main ones to adapt to this system, insisting that entities like Gelma and other agricultural service providers offer electronic payment options. However, he overlooked the real limitations faced by producers, from the lack of infrastructure to shortages of basic supplies.
Similarly, the one appointed by Raúl Castro to lead the country emphasized the importance of maintaining a direct relationship with the people. "It’s not the same when the people are unaware of what is happening than when we have the opportunity to explain it to them right there,” he stated, alluding to the strategy of gaining public support through direct communication.
In his speech, Díaz-Canel also warned about the dangers of drug consumption, stating that "drugs destroy families, they destroy a society" and urged not to hesitate in responding to the complaints of the population.
While the population demands urgent measures to boost production, facilitate investments, and unleash economic forces, the government seems to be betting on more control, more restrictions, and more propaganda, in a strategy that has yet to reverse the deep national crisis.
The call to "work hard" contrasts with the lack of concrete solutions for structural problems such as the energy crisis. Just in March, Díaz-Canel denied his government's responsibility for the blackouts, blaming the lack of financial resources and assuring that "there is no money" to address them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Mines acknowledged that national oil production covers only a third of the demand, and that more than half of the available fuel is allocated to keeping a devastated National Electroenergy System operational.
The lack of strategic investments, instead prioritizing the construction of hotels and tourism infrastructure, has deepened the electrical crisis, halting production, impacting basic services, and fueling popular protests.
Economists like Pedro Monreal have warned that the energy collapse is not solely a consequence of the U.S. embargo, but rather of internal political decisions that have delayed the modernization of the electrical sector for years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Crisis in Cuba under Díaz-Canel's Government
What solutions does Díaz-Canel propose for the economic crisis in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel advocates for "working hard" and strengthening the relationship with the people as solutions to the economic and social crisis in Cuba. However, he avoids deep structural reforms and bets on forced banking, which has drawn criticism due to the issues with banking services on the island.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis has caused prolonged blackouts that complicate the daily life of Cubans. Oil production covers only one third of the demand, exacerbating the problem. Despite promises of improvements, the situation remains critical, affecting basic services and generating social unrest.
What role does partial dollarization play in the Cuban economy?
Partial dollarization is seen by Díaz-Canel as an incentive to bring in foreign currency, although it has generated a black market and a parallel economy that undermine the credibility of the state financial system. The population faces difficulties in accessing foreign currency officially, which further complicates the economic situation.
What is the Cuban government's response to the criticisms regarding its handling of the crisis?
The Cuban government tends to blame external factors such as the U.S. embargo and avoids acknowledging internal responsibility for the crisis. It employs rhetoric of creative resistance and unity, but does not provide concrete solutions or set timelines to overcome the situation, leading to frustration and skepticism among the population.
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