Cuba President Miguel Díaz‑Canel Calls for Urgent Economic Reform and Boosts Civil Defense

President Miguel Díaz‑Canel addressed the Extraordinary Plenum of the Communist Party and the Third Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly, declaring that Cuba faces “the most difficult hours of this century” and urging swift economic measures. He announced an emergency economic agenda aimed at macro‑stabilisation, incentives for productive opening, legal security, investment attraction, intensive technology use and focused social protection. Díaz‑Canel criticised the United States’ “re‑escalated economic, commercial and financial blockade” and described it as a “silent genocide” that raises prices for fuel, medicine, food and equipment.

Later, Díaz‑Canel visited the Carmelo Defense Zone in Havana, emphasizing practical community preparation for both peace and potential aggression. He called for regular tactical exercises, better shelter certification, and a network of observation points in each constituency. The president urged integration of state and non‑state entities, noting new economic transformations that should enable local enterprises to contribute to defence and food production, even in urban areas.

Both speeches highlighted the need for unity, ideological firmness and creative resistance to external pressure, framing the reforms as a collective effort of the Party, government and the Cuban people.