The Union of Young Communists (UJC) in Ciego de Ávila has seen a significant decline in its membership, losing 15% of its roster over the past five months, according to the leadership of the organization in the province. During a plenary session of the Provincial Committee, Nailyn Machado Ávila, the first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the UJC, acknowledged a notable decrease in membership over the past five months, as reported by the local newspaper Invasor.
According to the report presented by Machado, by the end of May, the province had 18,957 members, which is 2,906 fewer than in December 2023. This represents a 15.32% reduction in its ranks. Additionally, the basic structures of the organization have shrunk by 10.82%, with only 1,334 of the 1,496 existing at the end of the previous year still remaining.
This means that in just five months, three out of every 20 members in Ciego de Ávila have left the organization, and one out of every 10 basic structures has disbanded. The crisis in structures like the UJC and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Ciego de Ávila began to become evident in 2022, when half of its municipalities were unable to attract new members.
The official press did not specify which territories had the most significant deficits in PCC members but acknowledged that there were 132 centers without any member nuclei, despite regulations requiring at least three members for their formation, according to the Rules of the Basic Organizations.
Amidst a dramatic decline in membership, the Cuban regime urged young people in April to stay in the country to build "collective happiness" and approved that foreigners "aligned with the principles of the revolution" could join the UJC. However, the ongoing crisis and mass migration have left the country devoid of young people optimistic about the future of the current political process.
Just yesterday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation's youth with a message acknowledging the "difficult times" but urging them to "take joy in contributing to the revolution during one of the most challenging periods in history."
FAQs on UJC Membership Decline in Ciego de Ávila
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent drop in UJC membership in Ciego de Ávila and the broader implications for the Communist Party of Cuba.
What is the Union of Young Communists (UJC)?
The Union of Young Communists (UJC) is a Cuban political organization affiliated with the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), aimed at mobilizing and engaging the youth in the country.
Why has there been a decline in UJC membership in Ciego de Ávila?
The decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the ongoing economic crisis, lack of opportunities, and mass migration of young people seeking better futures abroad.
How has the leadership of the UJC responded to the decline in membership?
The leadership has acknowledged the decrease and has urged young people to stay in Cuba to help build the country's future. They have also allowed foreigners who align with the revolution's principles to join the organization.
What measures are being taken to address the member deficit in the PCC?
The PCC has yet to outline specific measures to address the deficit, but the acknowledgment of the problem is a first step towards finding a solution.