The Cuban regime officially announced the launch of a new digital tool called “Soberanía,” a platform that, according to the official discourse, aims to centralize institutional information and facilitate online citizen procedures.
Through his account on X, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that “Sovereignty drives digital government and simplifies administrative processes and public services.”
He also indicated that the project is in an initial phase where its performance is being evaluated and feedback from the community is being gathered.
For his part, the Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz emphasized that the new Decree 125, published in the Official Gazette, establishes the Digital Government Center and begins the rollout of the platform, which will be hosted under the domain www.soberania.gob.cu.
According to the decree, this tool aims to "promote interaction between the Central Government of the Republic of Cuba and its citizens, provide information, optimize procedures, and encourage popular participation in the transformation process."
However, skepticism prevails among the population, who have witnessed how in the past other similar initiatives have failed to improve public services or alleviate bureaucratic burdens.
Real solution or empty promise?
Although in theory the platform could represent a step forward in modernizing public services, the recent experiences of Cubans with these digital initiatives do not inspire much hope.
Previous projects, such as TuEnvío or the medical appointment and legal scheduling systems, have repeatedly failed due to lack of infrastructure, constant system crashes, corruption, and poor customer service.
It is also compounded by the fact that, amid a widespread crisis of connectivity, blackouts, and high internet access prices, many people simply will not be able to access or comfortably navigate this type of platform, further hindering the goal of "simplifying" procedures.
Another advertisement, amidst constant shortages
For many citizens, the announcement of "Sovereignty" is just another attempt by the regime to appear modernized, without addressing the roots of the administrative collapse and the lack of real solutions to daily problems.
Paradoxically, the Cuban government responds quickly and enthusiastically to initiatives of a propaganda nature or related to its institutional image, while the most urgent demands of the citizens—such as shortages, power outages, the transportation crisis, or inflation—remain unaddressed.
Modernization or digital makeup? Time and citizen experience will tell. For now, "Sovereignty" seems to be repeating a script that Cubans know all too well.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Government's "Sovereignty" Platform
What is the "Sovereignty" platform and what is its purpose?
"Sovereignty" is a digital platform launched by the Cuban government aimed at centralizing institutional information and facilitating online citizen procedures. The objective is to promote digital governance and streamline administrative processes and public services, although skepticism remains among the population due to failures in previous similar initiatives.
How is "Sovereignty" expected to improve administrative processes in Cuba?
The Cuban government assures that "Sovereignty" will optimize administrative procedures by allowing direct interaction between the Central Government and citizens, providing information, and fostering popular participation in the transformation process. However, the lack of infrastructure and the connectivity crisis are significant obstacles that could hinder its effectiveness.
What challenges does the implementation of "Sovereignty" face in Cuba?
The implementation of "Sovereignty" faces several challenges, including connectivity issues, frequent blackouts, and the high costs of internet access in Cuba. Furthermore, the population's distrust of government promises, rooted in past experiences with failed projects, adds a layer of complexity to its adoption and success.
What other measures has the Cuban government taken to promote digitalization?
The Cuban government has authorized the use of digitally signed notarized and registry documents for their validity both nationally and internationally, which represents a significant advancement in the digitalization of public services. This could simplify legal processes for Cubans abroad, but its success depends on the available digital infrastructure.
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