Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has urged communists in Sancti Spíritus to expedite the recruitment of workers from private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to integrate them into the ranks of the only recognized Party in Cuba. "We must be capable of creating base structures within them, both for the Party and the UJC, with suitable growth and greater political engagement of these workers," Díaz-Canel said about this form of non-state management, according to the official site Cubadebate.
In the same meeting, the leader demanded the communists of Sancti Spíritus to organize "everyone to end the year with different results." This request comes with a tight timeline, as only three months remain in 2024, revealing the regime's inability to find solutions to the country's problems, especially when no precise formula has been defined in the previous nine months to achieve what is proposed for the remainder of the year.
However, the president refers to the politicization of businesses under the regime's watchful eye due to the "irresponsible manner" in which some of these institutions operate, as he noted last July to members of the Economic Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power. From that platform, Díaz-Canel insisted that his government was not planning a witch hunt against any specific form of management or ownership; yet, the official discourse in recent months has been targeting SMEs, especially those importing finished products or not adhering to price caps.
Furthermore, high-ranking party officials in Cuba do not hide their intention to politicize workers and private businesses on the island and recruit more members for the country's dwindling political organizations. In his closing speech at the third ordinary session of the X Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) last July, Díaz-Canel threatened SMEs with action, reaffirming his will to subject the activities of the "new economic actors" to state directives and centralized economic planning.
"Regarding our responsibilities in the uncertain and complex economic field, it is necessary to recognize that in the effort to comply with the economic and social policy guidelines of the VIII Party Congress, while unblocking processes and promoting the formation of SMEs, we were not firm enough in demanding the creation of sufficiently robust and comprehensive regulatory bases to guide the functioning of this form of management, which already operated in the economy but without formal recognition," he pointed out.
The lack of regulation of SMEs, according to the leader, has caused chaos in the Cuban economy, driving up inflation and exacerbating inequality in the country.
Impacts of Díaz-Canel's Policies on Cuban SMEs
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent statements and policies proposed by Miguel Díaz-Canel concerning private SMEs in Cuba.
What are the main objectives of Díaz-Canel's proposal for SMEs?
Díaz-Canel aims to create base structures for the Party and UJC within private SMEs to enhance their political engagement and increase recruitment for the country's political organizations.
Why is Díaz-Canel focusing on the politicization of private businesses?
The Cuban leader believes that some private businesses operate irresponsibly and sees the need to integrate them into the state's centralized planning and political structures to ensure compliance with economic policies.
How has the lack of regulation affected the Cuban economy?
According to Díaz-Canel, the absence of robust regulatory frameworks for SMEs has led to economic chaos, increased inflation, and heightened inequality in Cuba.