Cuba's leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has called on citizens to adopt Fidel Castro's revolutionary principles as a means to tackle the country's ongoing issues. "It's not just about remembering Fidel, but about bringing his revolutionary ideology into the present to confront today's enormous challenges," Díaz-Canel remarked during the conclusion of the Tenth Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) last Saturday.
In his speech, Díaz-Canel reiterated the well-worn themes of the regime's propaganda, urging sacrifice while blaming the United States and international circumstances for Cuba's plight. He also emphasized commemorating the late dictator's centennial.
Addressing the leadership he nominally heads, Díaz-Canel stated, "What the people expect from us, their main representatives and public servants, are tangible and immediate actions to mitigate the severe economic crisis that is so detrimental to the spiritual fabric of our nation."
"More than ever, it's clear that these solutions rest entirely on us, amidst a highly challenging and threatening context," he continued, while deflecting responsibility onto external sanctions and threats.
"We are a nation at war. For over 60 years, Cuba has lived and endured under war-like conditions. Every day, we are bombarded by the economic war that blocks and slows all efforts, as well as the misinformation, distortion, and hatred that accompany it," Díaz-Canel asserted.
The leader once again pointed to "imagination" as a remedy for the deep crisis affecting Cubans, which leads to daily expressions of discontent with his administration. "With steadfastness, without boasting about their heroic acts, and with a dignity that's beyond any possible negotiation, the Cuban people are living through extraordinarily challenging days. They do so by testing all their knowledge and unleashing imagination on this complex, earthly path that demands inventiveness and adaptability," he expressed.
On Friday, the regime's Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the same Plenary, acknowledging his government's "deepest dissatisfaction in failing" to resolve the crisis afflicting the Cuban populace. "We remain profoundly dissatisfied, as we have not achieved what is expected in the most sensitive matters affecting our people," Marrero admitted.
He also conceded that "2025 is proving to be challenging" and that no changes are expected for Cubans for the remainder of the year.
Following the economic failures of the regime's planning in recent years, Marrero is now focused on a "Government Program to correct distortions and revitalize the economy in the first half of the year," which he believes will lead to a gradual economic recovery.
The leader is now presenting 10 ambitious goals to emerge from the crisis affecting the island, outlined in vague terms without explaining how they plan to implement them. These goals include advancing macroeconomic stabilization, increasing and diversifying the country's foreign income, boosting national production with a focus on food, progressing in the resizing and development of the socialist state enterprise, and restoring the National Electric System (SEN).
Cuba's Economic and Political Challenges
What is Díaz-Canel's call to action for Cubans?
Díaz-Canel is urging Cubans to embrace Fidel Castro's revolutionary ideals to overcome the country's current challenges.
How does Díaz-Canel view the role of imagination in addressing Cuba's crisis?
Díaz-Canel considers imagination as a critical component for navigating the complex challenges facing Cuba, urging citizens to use their creativity and inventiveness.
What are some of the objectives outlined by Manuel Marrero for Cuba's economic recovery?
Manuel Marrero outlined goals such as macroeconomic stabilization, increasing foreign income, enhancing national food production, developing state enterprises, and restoring the National Electric System.