Cuba Approves 176 Economic and Social Reform Measures to Preserve the Revolution

Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced that the National Assembly approved a package of 176 economic and social transformations. The reforms aim to revive the economy, increase productivity and “preserve the gains of the Revolution.”

Key elements include granting new powers to state enterprises, decentralising price‑setting and profit‑allocation, expanding the autonomy of provincial governments, and reducing restrictions on the non‑state sector. Private banking, currency‑exchange houses and larger micro‑, small‑ and medium‑enterprise (MSME) workforces will be permitted, and individuals may own multiple businesses. A 53 % increase in the minimum wage for the budgeted sector (from 2,100 to 3,210 pesos) is scheduled to begin in August 2026, benefiting about half of workers. The state structure will be streamlined from 27 to 21 ministries and a new agency, the National Institute of State‑Owned Enterprise Assets, will oversee state assets.

Díaz‑Canel stressed that the measures are meant to “save the Revolution” amid a prolonged U.S. blockade and an energy‑crisis, calling for popular participation and transparent legal reforms. Marrero outlined an implementation roadmap to be rolled out over the coming weeks, emphasizing the need to “unleash productive forces” and adjust social policies to mitigate adverse impacts.