Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted to shortcomings in the country’s economic management during an interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman. In an unusual gesture of self-criticism, the leader acknowledged that the current crisis is not only a result of the U.S. embargo but also of internal errors in his administration.
"It would be dishonest to say that no mistakes have been made. It's impossible not to make mistakes when working under these pressures," said the Cuban leader from the Palace of the Revolution during an interview broadcasted on the Youtube channel of the Presidency of Cuba.
Díaz-Canel insisted that the "fundamental" cause of the crisis remains the "criminal blockade" by the United States, especially the sanctions imposed under the Donald Trump administration and continued by the Biden administration, as well as resumed by Trump during his second term. However, he acknowledged that there are also internal factors that have exacerbated the deterioration of life on the island.
"There has been a coincidence of the blockade and a coincidence of inconsistencies, errors in the implementation of certain economic measures designed to improve the situation that have not had the full impact possible," he confessed.
Among those failures, he mentioned the failed Tarea Ordenamiento, the country's import mentality, the lack of investment in strategic sectors such as agriculture and renewable sources, and serious issues like corruption, administrative inefficiency, and the brain drain.
The president acknowledged that the two biggest current problems are the energy deficit and food insecurity. The former, the subject of countless citizen complaints due to daily blackouts, was described by Díaz-Canel as a result of obsolete power plants, a lack of spare parts, and the inability to make investments.
“The system has a structure that is more than 40 years out of date in terms of technology,” he admitted. “We have not been efficient in managing the few available resources,” he added.
Regarding food supply, he acknowledged the country's inability to sustain the basic basket: “We have not made the necessary investments in agriculture and food production.”
The president also acknowledged that the historical "achievements" of the Revolution, free healthcare and education, have been affected. He stated that more than 70% of the essential medicines are in short supply and that infant mortality, traditionally a hallmark of the system's successes, has worsened.
“It has affected us significantly. We are not sitting idly by, but the indicators have deteriorated,” he pointed out.
In the case of the education sector, he spoke about issues with equipment, the printing of books, the loss of purchasing power among teachers, and the massive exodus of professionals.
Despite the bleak diagnosis, Díaz-Canel insisted that the Cuban socialist model is the only viable alternative for the country.
“Even if the blockade tightens, we will respond with talent, creativity, and innovation,” he argued.
However, this statement contrasts with the growing discontent among the population on the island and among Cuban emigrants, who view the official discourse with skepticism after decades of unfulfilled promises.
A call that doesn't convince
Throughout the interview, Díaz-Canel made frequent appeals to resilience, the unity of the people, and the ethical values of the Revolution. However, his speech is overshadowed by reality: a impoverished island, a population burdened by shortages, and an unprecedented exodus.
For thousands of Cubans who daily face power outages, scarcity, and high prices, the words of the leader are no comfort, but rather evidence of the failure of a model that continues to blame the blockade while avoiding deeper responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic and Energy Crisis in Cuba
What are the main errors acknowledged by Díaz-Canel in the economic management of Cuba?
Díaz-Canel admitted internal errors in the economic management of Cuba, highlighting the failed Tarea Ordenamiento, the import mentality, the lack of investment in strategic sectors such as agriculture and renewable energies, as well as issues of corruption and administrative inefficiency.
What causes the energy crisis in Cuba according to Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel attributes the energy crisis to the U.S. embargo and the technological obsolescence of thermoelectric plants. However, he also acknowledged the lack of investment and management errors as factors that exacerbate the situation.
What measures does the Cuban government propose to resolve the energy crisis?
The Cuban government plans to invest in renewable energy, such as the installation of photovoltaic panels, and in the repair of thermoelectric plants. 1,000 MW of renewable energy is expected to be incorporated by the end of the year, although specific timelines and financing details have not been provided.
How does the crisis affect basic services in Cuba?
The crisis is severely affecting basic services in Cuba. Prolonged power outages have interrupted the supply of drinking water, food refrigeration, and the operation of hospitals and schools, exacerbating social unrest.
What has been the response of the Cuban population to Díaz-Canel's statements?
The Cuban population has reacted with skepticism and discontent to Díaz-Canel's statements. Protests and the growing social discontent reflect frustration with an official discourse that is perceived as disconnected from everyday reality.
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