Amidst a severe economic crisis marked by blackouts, fuel shortages, and challenges in securing food supplies, a Cuban legislator delivered an uncommon speech in Parliament, openly defending small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and directly criticizing the nation's declining productivity.
Emilio Interián Rodríguez, leader of a cooperative and representative in the National Assembly for Havana's Arroyo Naranjo district, began his address by noting that six months after the assembly's last session, the country's situation has worsened in critical areas such as energy, fuel, and food supply.
In his opinion, continuously making promises without delivering is dishonest. "We can't keep telling our people that if we achieve this or that, we'll overcome the current situation, only to remain unchanged next year," he warned.
Drawing from his experience in agriculture, he emphasized that the nation must apply with farmers and producers the same approach—albeit limited—used with SMEs.
He highlighted that within this sector are valuable, committed individuals genuinely eager to work. While acknowledging the presence of corruption and opportunism, he stressed that most of those sustaining this economic framework do so with tangible effort and results.
Interián pointed out that thanks to SMEs, there are now goods and services that the state apparatus failed to provide for years.
As an example, he mentioned a sand quarry leased to an SME, where construction materials are legally and swiftly obtainable, circumventing the endless bureaucratic hurdles typical of state management.
"When a nut or bolt is missing, they find it. In the past, under state control, operations would halt over a missing bolt or nut. Today, sand and stone are delivered without delay, addressing significant issues for our people," he detailed.
He explained that small and medium enterprises have eradicated the chronic inefficiency of the state sector by solving supply problems, fulfilling contributions, and maintaining essential resources for the population.
The legislator believes this model should be expanded to other strategic sectors.
Reviving Agricultural Productivity
One of the most sensitive points of his speech was his reference to livestock and animal feed production.
Interián reminisced about the pre-revolution era, when nearly every neighborhood had small feed mills, ensuring stable livestock production.
He recalled conversations with past ranchers who achieved high productivity levels and basic input availability without relying on a centralized system unable to meet their needs.
This scenario starkly contrasts with the current reality, where producers lack cattle feed, raw materials, and essential inputs, leading to a production collapse.
"My dream is to one day buy or produce the quality feed and raw materials I need for all my productions," he expressed.
Interián also argued against restricting those proven to know how to produce.
He contended that if a producer effectively manages 65 hectares, they should receive more land and resources as long as results justify it.
"Let's not fear someone making money through hard work, just like anywhere else in the world," he declared, an unusual statement within Cuba's official discourse.
For Interián, the country's limited resources should not be wasted on inefficient structures. They should be allocated to areas with proven expertise, conditions, and results.
He believes that investing in serious, efficient, and responsible producers could yield noticeable outcomes in a relatively short time.
Interián's words contrast sharply with the prevailing economic policy, which has kept the productive sector under strict state control for decades, offering low incentives, unattractive prices for farmers, and a persistent shortage of inputs.
While state production remains at historic lows, it is the SMEs that, despite limitations and high prices, are meeting much of the population's basic needs.
His speech highlights a growing tension within the system: between those defending outdated models and those, through daily productive efforts, demanding real changes to help the nation regain productivity levels lost over six decades ago.
Exploring the Impact of Cuban SMEs
What role do SMEs play in Cuba's current economy?
SMEs in Cuba are crucial in providing goods and services that the state has struggled to supply, thanks to their ability to operate more efficiently and swiftly adapt to market demands.
How do SMEs overcome challenges faced by state-run enterprises?
SMEs bypass the bureaucratic obstacles typical of state-run enterprises, allowing them to deliver materials and services promptly, addressing immediate community needs.
Why does Interián advocate for expanding the SME model?
Interián believes broadening the SME model to other sectors could solve inefficiencies and maximize resource use, ultimately leading to improved productivity and economic outcomes.