The so-called "revolution" palace in Cuba remains adamant about scapegoating local authorities for the central government's mismanagement, especially concerning the critical issue of food production.
Since late 2021, when Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of increasing municipal responsibilities, the central powers have aimed to make local entities accountable for meeting basic needs. Despite its centralized and planned nature, the communist regime leadership wants to create the perception among Cubans that food shortages, high prices, and resulting food insecurity are the fault of local leaders, not the strategies devised in Havana's air-conditioned offices.
Decentralization and Local Responsibility
Adding to this narrative, on Tuesday, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa stated during a meeting with the country's governors and the Intendant of the Isle of Youth that "strengthening municipal work is crucial for the economic development of territories and the sustainability of social programs," according to NTV. The official media outlet highlighted the topic of "granting idle state lands for use by municipal administration councils," emphasizing "the responsibility of local governments following the decentralization of powers and the essential role of each territory in food production."
Valdés Mesa explained, "This is a decentralization of decisions assumed by the government. The Municipal Administration Council begins to take on that responsibility... There were distortions... This is decentralization: each municipality must have autonomy and make decisions... You assume that responsibility," the communist leader stated.
Pressure on Local Leaders
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stressed that "we need to give the land to those who will truly produce." Marrero Cruz elaborated, "We must consider the municipality's strategy, its needs, and the balance of what the municipality demands when making this decision."
In December 2021, a year marked by massive protests on July 11, Díaz-Canel asserted that both the Economic Plan and the State Budget for 2022 would focus on transferring powers to municipalities. "There will be a group of processes that are more horizontal, as they will be deployed at the territorial level, and this will have to be carried out with greater responsibility," said the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), emphasizing the need for "a business restructuring; because we must ensure that municipalities have robust local production systems."
Reaffirming the Regime's Stance
During a visit to the municipality of San Luis in Santiago de Cuba in late May, Díaz-Canel reiterated his stance, "We believe there is land here to produce the food we need. The hands are here, the strength is here, and the will is here." He added, "We also need to ensure that those selling food do not raise prices indiscriminately. As we have more food, prices should come down. However, some people charge much higher prices than they should. And that abuses the people. But we must face that together to move forward."
Once again, the puppet leader appointed by Raúl Castro reiterated the regime's favorite argument: local governments bear the responsibility. This is what they call "correcting distortions and boosting the economy."
In early June, Díaz-Canel, dubbed "El Guapo," stated, "We need to reach the point where this country can self-sustain its food supply. That will give us true security. Not depending on imports. But we have to believe in that. And each municipality has to fight for its food. Not relying on what comes through the ration card."