In a recent address to the Agricultural and Food Commission before the Fourth Regular Session of the Cuban Parliament's Tenth Legislature, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged the severe decline in living conditions in the country's rural areas. Despite this admission, he emphasized the need to defend the "achievements of the Revolution."
Accompanied by Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), Valdés Mesa remarked on the deteriorating conditions in the countryside, as reported by the state-run Canal Caribe. "First and foremost, we must restore the great work of the Revolution in the fields and mountains of the country," he stated, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the ongoing energy crisis, lack of resources, and economic turmoil—largely fueled by the government—exacerbate the daily challenges faced by farmers and rural communities.
The Cuban government's second-in-command also mentioned health and education as other significant "achievements of the Revolution." However, he conceded that the living conditions for farmers and rural residents "have suffered tremendous deterioration."
Valdés Mesa stressed the importance of prioritizing support for these sectors, despite existing targeted programs. "The countryside and the mountains have been heavily dependent on urban areas, and we must change that," he asserted.
According to the official newspaper Granma, Valdés Mesa highlighted the potential contributions Cuban farmers can make to the nation's economy. "To earn more foreign exchange, we need to produce more: more coffee, more honey; we need to contribute more minerals, more services," he declared.
He also underscored the necessity of implementing the mechanisms approved in the Plan Turquino and intensifying efforts in community engagement. "We must make a greater effort to involve ourselves more, particularly in the structures of municipal assemblies, educational councils, and government frameworks," Valdés Mesa stated.
Living conditions in Cuba's rural areas have significantly worsened in recent years, with numerous reports and testimonies highlighting the hardships faced by farmers and their families. For instance, in March 2023, reports surfaced about a woman and her mother living in extreme poverty in Santiago de Cuba, without any state assistance to improve their situation.
Regarding Valdés Mesa's statements, this is not the first time he has recognized the failures of the government led by Miguel Díaz-Canel. In January 2021, he admitted to administrative inefficiencies in managing economic and human resources in Cuba, stressing the need for austerity measures in light of the country's crisis. More recently, in August 2023, he acknowledged a lack of "economic culture" during a visit to the province of Artemisa, pointing out the need to address this issue to enhance efficiency in that sector.
Key Issues in Cuban Rural Areas
What did Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledge about rural areas in Cuba?
Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged the severe decline in living conditions in Cuba's rural areas, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers and rural communities.
What solutions did Valdés Mesa propose for improving rural conditions?
Valdés Mesa proposed implementing mechanisms from the Plan Turquino, increasing community involvement, and boosting production of goods like coffee and honey to enhance the economy.
How have conditions in Cuban rural areas changed recently?
Conditions in Cuban rural areas have worsened significantly, with reports of extreme poverty and lack of state support for residents, highlighting the growing challenges they face.