Cuba leaders promote 176 economic and social transformations

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz have resumed the official podcast ‘Desde la Presidencia’ to discuss the nation’s 176 economic and social transformations. These reforms, organized into 23 thematic axes, include measures such as private banking, private exchange houses, and increased foreign investment in the non-state sector.

Díaz-Canel described the current period as a moment of urgency, characterizing the external pressures facing Cuba as a ‘multidimensional war’ involving economic, ideological, and communicative tactics intended to stifle the economy. He emphasized that the transformations are a necessary process to address obstacles to the country’s development.

While Prime Minister Marrero Cruz asserted that the benefits of these measures will become visible by 2027, the announcements face significant public skepticism. Reports indicate low levels of government confidence among the population, with some citizens expressing concern that the economic benefits of the reforms may only reach those with existing financial means, potentially increasing inequality.