The National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) in Cuba is set to hold its fifth ordinary session from July 16 to 18, amid a backdrop of severe economic and social challenges, as acknowledged by the authorities themselves prior to the discussions. Over 80 topics are slated for discussion by the permanent commissions on July 14 and 15, covering issues such as pricing, transportation, power outages, water shortages, and medication availability, as well as public policies that remain unimplemented or have failed due to state management errors.
On July 9, during the television program Mesa Redonda, the parliament's secretary, Homero Acosta, described the situation as "a difficult moment in a complex context." While he admitted that President Miguel Díaz-Canel himself recognized a "crisis in economic and social order," he primarily blamed the United States embargo. Acosta emphasized the need to "overcome the blockade" and to unleash potential to improve the welfare of the people, as reported by the state-run portal Cubadebate, without specifying how or when.
He also accused the "enemy" of sowing doubts about the representativeness of the deputies, defending them by stating that many are "people from the community" who also endure blackouts and shortages.
Agenda and Key Discussions
The parliamentary session will commence with the induction of approximately 15 new deputies to fill vacant seats. Following this, the government’s plan to address economic distortions and revitalize the economy, which has yet to be made public, will be evaluated. On July 16, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero is expected to present a report detailing the objectives and goals of this program.
The Minister of Economy will provide a mid-year report highlighting setbacks across various indicators, while the Finance Minister will present the 2024 budget liquidation, revealing significant under-expenditure, particularly in crucial investments. A major focus will be on restoring the national electro-energy system, which is mired in crisis due to outdated technology, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages.
Institutional Oversight and Accountability
The discussions will also include institutional and citizen oversight, the functionality of recent laws, and the ongoing implementation of policies that have yet to make a tangible impact on daily life. On July 18, the agenda includes reviewing the accountability of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), scrutinizing the Ministry of Transportation, and the government of Camagüey.
Additionally, four new laws will be voted on: the Sports System Law, the General Offenses Act, the Civil Registry Law, and the much-anticipated Code for Children, Adolescents, and Youth, which is promoted as a modern text but is limited in real impact given the collapse of basic services.
Challenges and Citizen Concerns
Félix Martínez, head of the Economic Affairs Commission, acknowledged persistent challenges, such as the energy deficit, fuel shortages, and "lack of motivation in export potential companies," which jeopardizes the economic plan. He highlighted the "need to reform the foreign exchange allocation mechanism and address the exchange market" as key elements of the government program, though no concrete measures were announced to counter inflation or improve access to essential goods.
The public consultations for the new Code for Children, Adolescents, and Youth, involving over 800,000 people, were presented as a testament to the participatory nature of the law. Meanwhile, numerous citizens voiced their criticisms on Cubadebate's website, perceiving this as yet another session of delayed promises and repeated diagnoses. They lamented the absence of urgent discussions on pressing public demands such as inadequate pensions, banking system collapse, trade barriers, and urban neglect.
Other commentators called for the liberation of productive forces, the elimination of the "internal blockade," the allowance of private imports, and effective control over prices and existing laws. Some questioned whether the deputies truly represent the grassroots or if this is merely an exercise disconnected from everyday reality.
Ultimately, the upcoming session is expected to be filled with speeches but lacking in concrete actions or deadlines. The ANPP promises extensive analysis, but as its own secretary stated, "we would be naive to believe that everything we discuss will immediately resolve these problems." For much of the populace, the issue is that there seems to be neither resolution nor a visible intention to change course.
This session of the ANPP will follow the X Plenum of the Communist Party Central Committee held in Havana on July 4 and 5, where the official call for the 9th Congress in April 2026 was announced. Billed as a "congress for all the people," in practice, the mechanisms for real citizen participation in strategic decisions remain limited.
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Social Crisis
What are the main issues to be discussed in the Cuban parliament's session?
The session will address over 80 topics, including economic challenges, energy system recovery, public policies, and accountability of various governmental institutions.
How does the Cuban government plan to address the economic crisis?
The government intends to evaluate a plan to correct economic distortions and revitalize the economy, although details remain undisclosed. Key discussions will focus on reforms in foreign exchange allocation and the exchange market.
What are citizens' main concerns regarding the parliamentary session?
Citizens are concerned about the lack of urgent discussion on issues like pensions, banking system collapse, and trade barriers. Many express skepticism about the representativeness and effectiveness of the deputies.