In the midst of an energy crisis that Miguel Díaz-Canel himself has compared to the most challenging years of the Special Period, the Cuban regime is once again announcing an “update” to its economic program to “correct distortions and revitalize the economy.”
The Council of State evaluated the new version of the document on February 11, following a process that, according to official figures, included 76,172 meetings and 140,348 proposals. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz reported that the plan has been structured into 10 general objectives, 116 specific objectives, 438 actions, and 308 indicators and targets. The final version will be reviewed again by various bodies before its publication.
The announcement comes just days after Díaz-Canel publicly acknowledged that the country is experiencing a "complex" energy situation, with a severe shortage of fuel since December 2025 and no receipt of Venezuelan oil. The leader admitted that "restrictive" measures are coming, called for sacrifice, and evoked the strategies of the so-called "zero option" implemented in the 1990s.
While the official discourse speaks of popular participation and control from the neighborhoods, the reality on the Island continues to be marked by blackouts lasting over eight and even twelve hours in several provinces, paralyzed transportation, and agricultural production affected by a lack of diesel.
It is not the first time that the regime has relaunched this same program. In October and November of last year, an “updated” version had already been presented, which was also subjected to internal discussion processes within Party structures, mass organizations, and state organs. Then, as now, there was a promise to align goals, timelines, and responsibilities without providing concrete data about the real impact on the daily lives of Cubans.
In this new round, Marrero also assured that directives were approved to address the fuel shortages, with the aim of "ensuring the vitality of the country" and minimizing the impact on the population. However, the government itself acknowledges that there will be activities that will need to be halted or postponed.
The pattern repeats itself with meetings, participation figures, redefined goals, and promises of efficiency, all in a context where inflation, scarcity, and the deterioration of basic services continue to impact Cuban families both on the Island and abroad.
The contrast is unavoidable. While discussions in the Capitol revolve around indicators and goals, millions of Cubans are practically facing a return to the survival mode that characterized the Special Period, with extreme frugality, restrictions, and constant calls for sacrifice.
Filed under: