Manuel Marrero Cruz, Cuba's Prime Minister, reiterated his frequent appeal this Thursday to "not fear change" within the nation. This message, however, raises eyebrows given the current strained relations with the United States.
These remarks were made during Extraordinary Provincial Government Councils held in Granma and Holguín. The call for transformation is a recurring theme in official rhetoric, echoed by President Miguel Díaz-Canel as well. Yet, neither of these Cuban leaders has clearly outlined what specific changes are necessary or the direction these transformations should take.
"We must not fear change; it was our Commander in Chief who first called for change on May 1, 2000, in the Plaza de la Revolución, to change everything that should be changed," Marrero declared to provincial officials on January 29.
He quickly clarified, "We will not alter the foundational roots of our revolution, nor our principles, nor our socialist system."
The meeting, aimed at “adjusting the Economic and Social Plan for 2026,” and described by Marrero as operating within “a war economy,” emphasized mobilizing all internal resources and promoting a "radical change of mindset."
This proposed change does not target structural reforms but rather focuses on increasing municipal control and direct oversight by the government.
"We cannot continue leading through meetings and reports; leadership must happen on the streets, alongside the people," said the prime minister.
Rhetoric of a "Mindset Shift"
On January 22, in Ciego de Ávila, Marrero urged communist officials to "flexibilize their mindset" and to act as though circumstances are not normal. "To advance, things must be done differently, and we must not fear change," he emphasized.
This message was nearly identical to one delivered the same day by Díaz-Canel in Cienfuegos, during a Communist Party meeting.
"The mindset needed," said Díaz-Canel, "is about seeking and thinking differently, always aiming for prosperity. If the municipality prospers, so will the province and the country."
The leader stressed that change must originate from communist militants, avoiding any questioning of the political system. "If militants do not lead in production and services, the discourse remains just that, and no change occurs," he stated.
In practice, calls to "think differently" or "not fear change" amount to exhortations to work harder within the existing model.
Communist leaders, who already control all economic sectors, are now demanding more commitment and efficiency from themselves, yet the political-administrative structure remains unchanged.
This persistent "discourse of change" has been interpreted by some online as "a lie, a charade," while others see it as possibly preparing the population for new adjustments, undisclosed agreements with the U.S., or unpopular measures.
At a time of international pressure, with the fall of Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela and Washington's firm stance towards Havana, the Cuban government is exploring the possibility of modifying its narrative, though it remains steadfast in maintaining the system that has kept them in power for over six decades.
Understanding Cuba's Political Landscape
What changes is Manuel Marrero suggesting for Cuba?
While Manuel Marrero calls for change, he has not provided specific details on what these changes entail. The focus seems to be on mobilizing internal resources and altering the mindset rather than implementing structural reforms.
How is the Cuban government responding to international pressure?
In response to international pressure, especially from the U.S., the Cuban government is considering modifying its narrative. However, it remains committed to preserving the socialist system that has sustained their rule for decades.