Amid a worsening economic crisis and lack of tangible results, the Cuban government has announced plans to overhaul its “work system” in the second half of the year, acknowledging that previous efforts have failed to deliver. “The work system must change; it cannot remain the same as it was in the first half,” stated Manuel Marrero Cruz, the island’s Prime Minister, during a Council of Ministers meeting.
The Cuban official claimed that the supposed shift is aligned with recent discussions in the National Assembly of People’s Power and upcoming government projections, necessitating a review of current practices, according to the state-run newspaper Granma.
Marrero Cruz outlined 57 government projections that are set to be approved and primarily implemented in the second half of the year. These include measures aimed at the communication and economic sectors, areas where the regime has shown significant weaknesses. The leadership plans to combat bureaucracy and the slow response to many issues, while also launching an offensive on national production and implementing measures related to the budget deficit.
According to the Prime Minister, some results are already visible. “We have seen the most significant impacts in the reduction of the fiscal deficit,” he asserted. These claims are ambitious, given the negative performance of the regime’s economic indicators.
Additionally, he mentioned efforts to tackle tax evasion, which is showing some results, and aimed at reorganizing the business system, emphasizing that structural, organizational, and functional transformations are necessary.
Marrero Cruz also addressed the high prices in Cuba, describing it as a continuous battle requiring daily effort and the mobilization of all possible forces. He highlighted the need for greater banking integration, focusing on ensuring that agricultural markets and both state and non-state food establishments accept bank card payments.
Another point of his speech involved state leases. “We need to evaluate what services we offer and at what prices; we cannot allow government facilities to mistreat the public or charge abusive prices,” he declared.
The Prime Minister's promises extended further, mentioning initiatives to work with children, adolescents, youth, and communities, areas that need continuous strengthening, as reported by Cubadebate.
By mid-2024, none of these commitments have been fulfilled. The public opinion on the country's situation, food shortages, and basic necessities remains "critical and negative." Despite this, Díaz-Canel continues to urge Cubans to trust in the arrival of better times, a sentiment many find hard to believe.
He continues to assert that the problems are "not insurmountable" without presenting concrete solutions to address the ongoing crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Planned Overhaul of Its Work System
In light of the Cuban government's recent announcement to change its work system, several questions arise concerning the specifics and implications of these changes. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide clarity on this matter.
What prompted the Cuban government to change its work system?
The decision was prompted by the ongoing economic crisis and the lack of tangible results from previous measures. The government acknowledges that the current system is ineffective and necessitates a comprehensive review and overhaul to address the country's pressing issues.
What are the key areas the new work system aims to address?
The new system targets critical areas such as communication and economic sectors, bureaucracy, national production, the budget deficit, tax evasion, high prices, banking integration, and state leases. These areas have been identified as major weaknesses that need urgent attention.
Will the new measures have immediate effects?
While the government claims to have seen some early results, particularly in reducing the fiscal deficit, the overall impact of the new measures will depend on their implementation and the ability to overcome longstanding bureaucratic and economic challenges.
How are the Cuban people reacting to these announcements?
Public opinion remains critical and negative. Many Cubans are skeptical about the government's promises, given the lack of concrete solutions and the persistent economic hardships they face daily.