Desperate and under increasing pressure, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel outlined in an exclusive interview with the Russian channel RT a set of measures that the government claims to be implementing to "update the economic management system," in the midst of the worst economic crisis the island has faced in decades.
The promises of economic improvement, disseminated by Radio Bayamo, encompass six key areas: economic decentralization with autonomy for businesses and municipalities, improvement of relations between the state and non-state sectors, updating the foreign direct investment law, energy transition, encouragement of national food production through agroecology, and application of science and innovation.
Díaz-Canel announced that "total autonomy" will be granted to state companies and municipalities, so that "the municipality can decide on its development without conflicting with national strategies," which he referred to as "an ability for endogenous development unique to each place."
The regime also confirmed the approval of economic partnerships between the state and non-state sectors, regulated by the Decree-Law 114, in effect since April 2, 2026.
Regarding foreign investment, Díaz-Canel indicated that there have been "flexibilizations" in the relevant law, including a "differentiated treatment" for the diaspora: "Cubans residing abroad now have a more favorable space to participate in our economy."
About energy, the president stated that in 2024, more than 1,000 megawatts were invested in photovoltaic parks that "are currently supplying 51% of the energy during daytime hours," and that the share of renewable sources increased from 3% to 10% in just one year.
The most striking statement from the interview was his call to "stimulate national production more and break the importing mindset," especially regarding food: "produce as much as we can."
To justify that objective in the midst of fuel shortages, Díaz-Canel turned to agroecology: "With agroecology, we can achieve yields that provide us not only with survival and resilience, but also with progress."
Promises contrast with a devastating economic reality. According to the Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy, the GDP contracted by 5% in 2025, accumulating a decline of over 15% since 2020, while the official inflation rate was 14.07%, and unofficial estimates place the impact on the basic basket at up to 70%.
The average salary is around 6,000 Cuban pesos per month, equivalent to about 12 euros at the informal exchange rate, against an estimated cost of living between 25,000 and 50,000 pesos.
The independent economist Pedro Monreal lowered expectations regarding these measures, noting that Cuba's GDP only achieved 51% of its plans in 2025, while The Economist Intelligence Unit projects a decline of 7.2% for 2026, far from the 1% growth forecasted by the government itself.
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