The Prime Minister of the Cuban regime Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that "national dignity is non-negotiable" in the central speech of the July 26 event in Ciego de Ávila.
In a country where dissent is repressed and there are nearly 1,000 political prisoners, Marrero emphasized that he does not give up on having a "just and democratic" nation.
In a speech filled with clichés typical of the regime's propaganda and lacking significant points, Marrero Cruz acknowledged the economic crisis faced by Cubans, referencing the locations visited in Ciego de Ávila while appealing to the enthusiasm and joy of the working groups.
The leader appealed to the deceased dictator's ability to "turn setbacks into victories" in the year when the regime will celebrate the centenary of his birth.
Similarly, without explaining how, he stated that in 2026 the regime will focus on prioritizing “the increase of national production, the generation of foreign currency, the recovery of the electric power system and the strengthening of the socialist state enterprise, to solve issues that undermine the well-being of the population.”
The event for the 72nd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada barracks, once the most important celebration of the regime, began around 5 AM and was attended by the nonagenarian Raúl Castro, as well as Ramiro Valdés and José Ramón Machado Ventura.
Previously, a cultural gala took place where Lis Cuesta, the spouse of ruler Díaz-Canel, and Yadira Ramírez Morera, partner of Prime Minister Marrero Cruz, were seen smiling and relaxed.
Frequently asked questions about Manuel Marrero's speech and the situation in Cuba
What implications does Marrero's statement about "national dignity" in Cuba have?
Manuel Marrero stated that "national dignity is non-negotiable," reiterating the Cuban regime's uncompromising stance in the face of internal and external criticism. This stands in stark contrast to the reality of repression, political prisoners, and an economic crisis that severely affects the Cuban population.
How is the Cuban population affected by the economic crisis mentioned by Marrero?
The economic crisis in Cuba is evident in power outages, food shortages, and collapsed public services, severely affecting the daily well-being of Cubans. Marrero, although acknowledging the crisis, does not offer clear or effective solutions to these ongoing issues.
What role does tourism play in the economic strategy of the Cuban government?
The Cuban government continues to bet on tourism as an economic pillar, although the sector is failing to recover or meet expectations. This strategy has been criticized for prioritizing investments in tourism over the basic needs of the population, such as food and essential services.
What contradictions exist between the official discourse and everyday reality in Cuba?
The official discourse of the Cuban regime presents an image of resistance and dignity, but the daily reality in Cuba is one of scarcity, blackouts, and repression. This contrast breeds discontent and skepticism among the population, who are facing an economic crisis with no effective solutions from the government.
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