Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, Cuba's Minister of Economy and Planning, affirmed that the country's situation is beginning to improve, but warned that new measures will be needed in his sector.
"We have experienced negative and positive effects that allow us to see how the Cuban economy is starting to breathe again. The fiscal deficit is improving; not as much as we would like, but it is decreasing. Certain macroeconomic indicators are beginning to react, suggesting that we are making progress," said Alonso.
His statements were made at an international press conference this Thursday. During the same meeting, he highlighted the substantial economic losses the government incurred after experiencing two consecutive hurricanes and earthquakes in the eastern part of the country.
The minister warned that in order to rescue the Cuban economy, the government will need to implement a package of "additional measures," which he did not elaborate on.
Cuba is undergoing an economic, energy, political, and social crisis. The government insists that it is receiving support to overcome the situation and that the country's recovery is progressing.
However, Cubans report shortages of food, power outages lasting over 12 hours, increasing unsanitary conditions in neighborhoods, and serious issues in the healthcare sector.
Regarding these aspects, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that Cuba is receiving international assistance, particularly highlighting support from the United Nations.
"We have received solidarity assistance that impacts the recovery of the National Electro-Energy System. It includes support with fuel supply; there are countries with concrete offers in this regard," stated Pérez-Oliva.
He emphasized that international support in the form of food supplies has been important, but Cuban Television edited his statement, leaving viewers unaware of which products were mentioned, as well as where and when the regime plans to distribute them.
The Cuban government has also received assistance from abroad, including shipments of medical supplies and electric generators that have come from the United States. This situation has once again highlighted the contradictions in the official discourse regarding the U.S. "blockade."
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