Mauricio de Miranda Parrondo, a renowned Cuban economist, has sharply criticized the recent statements by ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel concerning the country's economic woes, asserting that the fundamental issue in Cuba is not merely about making adjustments but rather the economic model itself.
“The system cannot be perfected or updated. The system is the problem. It needs to be dismantled,” De Miranda declared, responding to the official proposal to merge central planning with market elements.
In a detailed Facebook post, the economist cautioned, “Everyone who has attempted reforms that allowed central planning and the market to coexist has failed.”
Addressing the newly proposed foreign exchange allocation system, he was unequivocal: “This is yet another economic policy blunder,” advocating instead for the establishment of “a legal and transparent foreign exchange market with a unified exchange rate.”
He argues that the current multiple exchange rate segments lead to “distortions, perverse incentives, and opportunities for corruption.”
De Miranda also criticized the supposed autonomy of state enterprises and municipalities. He emphasized that “state enterprises must have administrative, financial, and commercial autonomy,” but warned this requires removing ministerial control and allowing private entrepreneurship.
Regarding municipalities, he pointed out that “development is not simply the sum of its parts” and highlighted a “progressive, systematic, and widespread impoverishment.”
The economist further urged the acknowledgment of poverty in Cuba, the abolition of the ration book, and the admission that the nation is “going hungry.” In his view, without freedoms, real markets, and structural changes, the government's promises will continue to be empty rhetoric.
Cuba's Economic Challenges and Reforms
What is the primary issue with Cuba's economic system according to Mauricio de Miranda?
Mauricio de Miranda believes that the main problem with Cuba's economic system is the model itself, which he argues cannot be improved or updated but needs to be completely dismantled.
What does De Miranda suggest for the foreign exchange system in Cuba?
De Miranda advocates for the creation of a legal and transparent foreign exchange market with a single, unified exchange rate to replace the current system, which he views as flawed and prone to corruption.
How does De Miranda view the issue of enterprise and municipal autonomy in Cuba?
De Miranda believes that real autonomy for state enterprises requires removing ministerial control and encouraging private entrepreneurship. He also criticizes the current approach to municipal development, which he sees as ineffective.