Cuban actress and broadcaster Laritza Camacho voiced a poignant question on Thursday that encapsulates the widespread skepticism among Cubans regarding the regime's newly proposed reforms: "Who can ensure that those who have consistently failed will suddenly succeed?"
This comment was shared on her Facebook page as a direct critique of the "emergency economic and social agenda" introduced by Miguel Díaz-Canel to the National Assembly. This agenda expands upon the economic reforms initially presented on June 12.
Camacho did not just challenge the government's ability to implement these promised changes. She cleverly played on the dual meaning of the Spanish verb "partir": "You can't be judge and jury, so leave," implying that those who have poorly managed the country should step down instead of leading reforms.
Her closing remark was both sardonic and hopeful: "I can't think of another idea, but I think it's quite good. Hopefully, they'll consider it."
An Overview of the Proposed Reforms
The reforms announced by Díaz-Canel include granting more autonomy to state enterprises and municipalities, allowing foreign investment in the private sector, eliminating mandatory intermediaries in foreign trade, reducing the number of ministries from 27 to between 20 and 21, and limiting the basic goods basket to retirees and vulnerable groups.
Díaz-Canel himself admitted on Thursday that there are "obstacles that do not come from outside or from the blockade" and acknowledged "creative resistance" within the state apparatus.
Public Reactions and Skepticism
The Communist Party of Cuba convened an extraordinary plenary session on Wednesday to endorse the process, with the regime noting that Raúl Castro has given the green light to the package.
Camacho's post sparked a flood of comments expressing the deep-seated distrust among Cubans after decades of unfulfilled promises. Fernando Ruiz Ruano summed it up with a damning statement: "Those responsible for the disaster will never be the architects of the solution."
Marcia Gasca recalled historical precedents: "It's inconceivable that the same disorderly leaders now claim they will bring order. We saw this in 1989 with the promise of 'Now we will build socialism.' And yet, they have no shame in lying and attempting to manipulate us."
Other commenters resorted to proverbs: "A tree that grows crooked can never straighten its trunk," many users echoed. Zaida Delgado was more direct: "The thieves claiming they'll fix the fence."
Zenaida Carbonell captured the sentiment of the most vulnerable: "Life remains the same for the common people and retirees. It's all just a distraction."
Consistent Criticism from Camacho
For months, Camacho has systematically criticized the regime on social media. In April, she condemned the waste at official events while people lack transportation. In May, she questioned the government's double standards. On June 9, she demanded four specific actions: collect the trash, listen to the people, grant amnesty to political prisoners, and resolve the food crisis.
Editsan Ramírez Fonseca left perhaps the most bitter comment: "Another 50 years of measures and rectification of errors are coming... Maybe our great-great-grandchildren won't have blackouts and will live like people in the modern world."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Economic Reforms
What are the key elements of Díaz-Canel's proposed reforms?
The reforms include increased autonomy for state enterprises and municipalities, foreign investment in the private sector, elimination of mandatory intermediaries in foreign trade, a reduction of ministries, and limiting basic goods to retirees and vulnerable groups.
How has the public reacted to the proposed reforms?
The public reaction has been largely skeptical, with many expressing distrust due to past unfulfilled promises by the regime. Comments on social media reflect a lack of confidence in the government's ability to implement meaningful change.
What criticisms has Laritza Camacho expressed regarding the Cuban government?
Laritza Camacho has consistently criticized the regime for its mismanagement and empty promises. She has called for specific actions like addressing waste management, listening to the populace, granting amnesty to political prisoners, and tackling the food crisis.