Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, Cuba's Minister of Economy and Planning, has stated that the nation's economic situation is beginning to show signs of recovery, though he cautioned that additional measures will be necessary in his sector. "We've experienced both negative and positive effects, allowing us to see how the Cuban economy is starting to breathe. The fiscal deficit is improving, not as much as we'd like, but it's decreasing; and certain macroeconomic indicators are beginning to respond, suggesting progress," Alonso remarked.
His comments were made during an international press conference on Thursday, where he also highlighted the significant economic losses the government faced after being hit by two consecutive hurricanes and earthquakes in the eastern part of the country. The minister warned that to bring Cuba's economy back on track, the government will need to implement a series of "additional measures," though he did not elaborate on what these might entail.
Challenges Amidst Crisis
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe economic, energy, political, and social crisis. While the government claims it is receiving support to overcome these challenges and that the country's recovery is progressing, the reality on the ground seems starkly different. Cubans continue to report shortages of food, power outages lasting over 12 hours, growing unsanitary conditions in neighborhoods, and significant issues in the healthcare sector.
International Aid and the Ongoing Blockade Debate
Regarding these issues, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, the Minister of Foreign Trade, mentioned that Cuba is receiving international aid, notably from the United Nations. "We've received supportive aid impacting the recovery of the National Electro-energy System. This includes assistance with fuel supplies, with some countries offering tangible support in this regard," Pérez-Oliva stated.
He emphasized the importance of international support in the form of food supplies, though Cuban Television edited his statement, leaving viewers uninformed about which products, where, or when they will be distributed by the government. Additionally, the Cuban government has received shipments of medical supplies and electric plants from the United States, highlighting once again the contradictions in the official discourse regarding the U.S. "blockade."