Miguel Díaz-Canel, the leader of Cuba, addressed the National Assembly of People's Power on Friday, stating that "this is neither the first nor the last time the Cuban revolution faces its most challenging moment." In his speech, he justified the current difficult situation by referencing a historical context of "resilience." During the Fifth Ordinary Period of Sessions of the National Assembly, Díaz-Canel drew parallels between today's economic and social hardships and other critical periods in Cuban history, such as the "Pact of Zanjón," the fall of independence leaders, and U.S. intervention. According to him, the Cuban people are equipped to handle both present and future crises.
"This is neither the first nor the last time the Cuban revolution faces its most challenging moment," he reiterated. The leader defended the "authenticity" of the Cuban regime and criticized comparisons with the period before Fidel Castro's rise to power, arguing that such comparisons "conceal the misery" of that era.
Díaz-Canel, consistent with his previous addresses, attributed most of the country's issues to external factors, specifically highlighting the "suffocating economic blockade" imposed by the United States and Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. He asserted that these measures "escalate the blockade policy to unprecedented levels" and have a "multiplied impact" on the economy and the standard of living for the people.
Despite acknowledging challenges like the rising fiscal deficit and electrical system instability, he called for "discipline, organization, awareness, and perseverance" to overcome these hurdles. He stressed the importance of increasing domestic production, decreasing reliance on imports, and strengthening local production systems as strategies to confront the crisis.
Once again, he urged "resilience" and highlighted the Cuban people's capacity to endure hardships, even when extended power outages and food shortages affect families. "This nation's remarkable willingness to fight when things get tougher is impressive. No pessimism, no defeatism, no discouragement," declared the regime's representative.
In his remarks to the ANPP deputies, he also acknowledged social inequality in Cuba, exacerbated by the partial dollarization of the economy, which benefits those receiving remittances from abroad. Nevertheless, he justified the measure as a necessary step to collect foreign currency and navigate the "limited availability of medicines, reduced transportation services, waste collection, and water supply."
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges and Resilience
What historical events does Díaz-Canel compare the current challenges to?
Díaz-Canel compares today's challenges to events like the "Pact of Zanjón," the fall of independence leaders, and U.S. intervention in Cuba's history.
How does Díaz-Canel justify the partial dollarization of Cuba's economy?
He justifies it as a necessary measure to gather foreign currency and address issues such as limited medicine availability, reduced transportation services, waste management, and water supply.
What factors does Díaz-Canel blame for Cuba's economic difficulties?
He blames external factors, particularly the U.S. economic blockade and Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, for the country's economic challenges.