As Cuba navigates through its severe crisis, the socialist regime is intent on convincing the public that they are making “progress” and that the government's plans to address distortions and revive the economy are yielding results. On Thursday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed this message to attendees at the extraordinary plenums of the Communist Party committees in Las Tunas and Holguín. He stated on social media, "We are already seeing modest results, but there is still much work to be done in every municipality across Cuba."
According to state-run media, Díaz-Canel communicated to those gathered that he perceives a “willingness for transformation” within Cuban society, aiming to “expand outcomes and solidify the modest advances being made in the macroeconomic sphere.” “This progress has been possible due to addressing a number of distortions, allowing us to move forward and emphasize a concept we highlighted at the closure of the National Assembly of People's Power: the situation is challenging, but not insurmountable,” remarked the Communist Party's First Secretary.
The leader of the so-called “continuity” movement rallied his followers, reiterating the mantra, “We can overcome this moment, and we can do so if we work, create wealth to distribute with social justice, and use our intelligence.”
“We know the blockade will continue to tighten, that we will face fuel shortages, and a lack of various resources; yet, during territorial visits, it always becomes evident that despite these circumstances, there are collectives capable of working effectively,” added the leader, appointed by Raúl Castro.
Promises of Overcoming Economic Challenges
Earlier in September, Díaz-Canel repeated once more his assurance that his administration will lead the country out of its prolonged economic crisis. During a special session of the Provincial Committee of the Communist Party in Pinar del Río, he claimed that strategies are being implemented to improve the situation and promised that despite the challenges, “we will emerge” from this complex phase.
A Facebook post from the Guerrillero newspaper quoted the president describing the current times as “difficult for all, but not insurmountable.” While in Mexico, at the end of September, and attending the inauguration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, he expressed confidence that they would triumph over the critical situation in the Caribbean nation.
Reality Check: Discrepancy Between Official Reports and Public Perception
Though ordinary citizens have yet to see these results, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz insists they exist. In his recent address at the September Council of Ministers meeting, he emphasized the “responsibility” of local officials and leaders in the process and the outcomes the central government anticipates from its strategies and “projections.”
Marrero Cruz pointed out that macroeconomic indicators show “modest progress,” but criticized local leaders for the fact that these supposed advances “have yet to reach household economies.”