The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, acknowledged this Saturday that not all the problems facing Cuba are due to the U.S. embargo, by publicly admitting the existence of internal errors and deficiencies that must be addressed with “our own efforts.”
The statement was made during the national event for the 72nd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada Barracks, held in Ciego de Ávila, an event marked by revolutionary symbolism, but distant from the real urgencies that affect the Cuban population today.
It was Marrero who broke the traditional tone of the official discourse by hinting at a truth that is often omitted from the podium of power. "There are internal difficulties, mistakes, and deficiencies that we must confront and resolve with our own efforts."
While he again accused Washington of maintaining a policy of economic suffocation, stating that its intention is to "bend the Cuban people through hunger and need," Marrero occasionally distanced himself from the monotonous discourse that attributes everything to the "blockade."
"Denouncing external aggression does not mean that we fold our arms or that we attribute all problems solely to the blockade," he pointed out.
However, the ambiguity of his words and the complete lack of concrete proposals revealed what many consider a rhetorical maneuver to calm tensions without disrupting the status quo.
One of the most sensitive points of his intervention was the acknowledgment of the energy crisis that is affecting the Cuban population. "A serious and urgent challenge we have ahead is to reduce the frustrating blackouts that greatly impact the population, the economy, and, in general, the life of the country."
Despite the direct mention of the issue, no concrete details were provided about immediate solutions, amid a situation that has sparked spontaneous protests in several provinces and fueled the ongoing exodus abroad.
Marrero also suggested that the year 2026 will be of "special significance" due to the centennial of the birth of dictator Fidel Castro and the holding of the IX Congress of the Communist Party, where, according to him, priorities will include food production, inflation reduction, foreign investment, and the recovery of the electrical system.
FAQ on Internal Issues and the Blockade in Cuba
Is the United States blockade the only cause of the crisis in Cuba?
No, the United States blockade is not the only cause of the crisis in Cuba. Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Cuban Prime Minister, acknowledged that there are internal errors and deficiencies that also contribute to the problems in the country. Although the U.S. embargo has a significant impact, there are internal factors, such as government inefficiency and corruption, that exacerbate the island's economic and social situation.
What internal problems is Cuba currently facing?
Cuba faces multiple internal problems, including frequent blackouts, an energy crisis, food shortages, and high inflation. Additionally, the country suffers from outdated infrastructure, management issues, and a state sector rife with irregularities and corruption. Even the Cuban government acknowledges these internal problems as challenges that must be addressed through its own efforts.
What measures has the Cuban government proposed to address the current issues?
Manuel Marrero Cruz mentioned that the government plans to prioritize food production, reducing inflation, foreign investment, and the recovery of the electrical system. However, the proposals lack concrete details on how these solutions will be implemented. In the past, there has been a lack of effective actions to address the structural problems of the Cuban economy.
What is the current state of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electric system of Cuba is in crisis, with frequent widespread blackouts affecting the entire population. These power outages negatively impact the economy, transportation, communication, and the daily lives of Cubans. Although the government has promised to work on restoring the system, no concrete and effective solutions have been provided to resolve the issue.
How does the economic crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The economic crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of its citizens, who face food shortages, prolonged blackouts, and a constant rise in prices. The lack of basic resources such as rice, sugar, and animal protein, coupled with low wages and failing services, worsens the situation for the population, which lives in conditions of extreme poverty.
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