Cuba's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, has acknowledged the difficulties in addressing the persistent power outages plaguing the island. Speaking during the central event on July 26 in Ciego de Ávila, Marrero emphasized the urgent need to "reduce the troubling blackouts that significantly impact the population, the economy, and overall life in the country."
Marrero openly admitted that resolving these issues is not straightforward. "This is not an easy task, but as we have explained, there is a program and a strategy in place aimed at gradually achieving stability in services and energy sovereignty," he stated. He called for collective efforts in tackling internal mistakes that worsen the ongoing challenges, echoing the regime's usual rhetoric while seemingly disconnected from the daily hardships faced by Cubans enduring over 20-hour blackouts.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged that not all of Cuba's problems stem from the U.S. embargo, admitting to internal errors and deficiencies that require solutions through "our own efforts." Despite a country where dissent is suppressed and nearly 1,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated, Marrero emphasized the regime's commitment to a "just and democratic" nation.
In a speech filled with the typical propaganda of the regime, Marrero Cruz recognized the economic crisis affecting Cubans. He referred to his visits in Ciego de Ávila while urging enthusiasm and joy among work collectives. The leader drew on the legacy of the late dictator's ability to "turn setbacks into victory" as the regime prepares to celebrate the centenary of his birth.
Without providing specific details, Marrero mentioned that by 2026, the regime plans to prioritize "increasing national production, acquiring foreign currency, and strengthening the socialist state enterprise to tackle issues affecting the population's well-being."
The event commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Moncada Barracks assault, once the regime's most significant celebration, began around 5 a.m. Attendees included the nonagenarian Raúl Castro, along with Ramiro Valdés, José Ramón Machado Ventura, and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Understanding Cuba's Energy and Economic Challenges
What steps is Cuba taking to address power outages?
Cuba has implemented a program and strategy aimed at gradually achieving stability in services and energy sovereignty, although the specifics of these plans have not been detailed.
How does the Cuban government plan to improve the economy by 2026?
The government intends to focus on increasing national production, acquiring foreign currency, and strengthening the socialist state enterprise to address issues impacting the population's well-being.
Are all of Cuba's economic issues attributed to the U.S. embargo?
No, the Cuban government has admitted that internal errors and deficiencies also contribute to the country's economic problems, which need to be addressed with domestic efforts.