Cuban-American entrepreneur Carlos Saladrigas, who serves as the president of the Cuba Study Group, criticized the recent economic reforms announced by Miguel Díaz-Canel last Friday. He described them as fragmented, lacking coordination, and without legal foundation, but noted a hint of optimism in the fact that the Cuban regime appears to realize that changes are unavoidable.
In an interview with Tania Costa, Saladrigas dissected the reform package introduced by Díaz-Canel on June 12, part of the "Economic and Social Program for 2026." This program covers six areas: economic management, municipal autonomy, business autonomy, agricultural recovery, foreign trade, and foreign investment.
Challenges Facing Cuban Reforms
Saladrigas expressed cautious optimism, saying, "It's promising to see that Cuban leaders seem to understand the profound changes they need to make." However, he swiftly pointed out three fundamental flaws in the execution of these changes.
The first and most evident issue, according to Saladrigas, is the pace and scale of the initiatives. "Incremental changes, given the complexity of the current situation, are ineffective. What is needed are sweeping changes, implemented all at once and in coordination, to make a significant impact on the economy," he remarked.
Constitutional and Structural Issues
The second problem is of a structural and constitutional nature. Saladrigas warned that all the announced economic measures clash with Cuba's 2019 Constitution, which dictates that private investment is secondary to the socialist economy.
"While these economic measures are superficially beneficial and necessary, they demand a fundamental shift in the Cuban government's core structure, constitution, and governing philosophy," Saladrigas explained.
He further noted, "As long as there's a document stating that private investment and the private market are secondary to the socialist economy, profound changes, not just economic ones, are required—changes that tend to be overlooked."
The Need for Civil Society Liberation
The third flaw Saladrigas identified is the lack of genuine liberation of civil society. "For a thriving economy, it's essential to free not only individuals but also civil society," he emphasized, advocating for a new association law that enables Cubans to organize, form guilds, and create private associations—elements he deemed "crucial to the economic and social fabric of a country."
On a positive note, Saladrigas highlighted a new announcement he heard for the first time: that investment conditions will be equal for Cubans abroad and those on the island. "This is a significant change, but we still need to see the legal basis for all of this," he cautioned.
Days before Díaz-Canel's announcement, Saladrigas had already warned that serious investment in Cuba would not occur without fundamental political changes, institutional guarantees, judicial independence, and effective protection of private property.
"To have a real impact—not just in terms of public relations but in meeting Washington's demands—this must be better developed, more comprehensive, and presented simultaneously. There must be a clear commitment to a path of significant and profound transition," Saladrigas concluded.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Economic Reforms
What are the main criticisms of Díaz-Canel's economic reforms?
Carlos Saladrigas criticizes the reforms as insufficient, uncoordinated, and lacking legal foundation. He also points to the slow pace and limited scope as major issues.
How do the reforms conflict with the Cuban Constitution?
The 2019 Cuban Constitution prioritizes the socialist economy over private investment, creating a conflict with the proposed economic measures that require structural changes.
Why does Saladrigas emphasize the need for civil society liberation?
Saladrigas believes that a vibrant economy requires both individual freedom and the liberation of civil society, which includes the ability to form private associations and guilds.