The U.S. Department of State has dismissed the 176 economic measures recently approved by the Cuban government, labeling them as mere "smoke signals" that fail to bring about genuine political change on the island.
A spokesperson for the department told AFP that these so-called economic reforms are modest at best, long overdue, and ultimately serve as superficial signals from the Cuban regime. This sentiment was echoed across various media outlets.
Washington criticized the move as a "typical strategy" designed to create the illusion of a commitment to change, only to swiftly reverse the measures once the regime's full control is perceived to be at risk.
The Trump administration has demanded "far more substantial economic and political reforms" that would make Cuba an attractive destination for investors and provide the Cuban people with the freedom, dignity, and opportunities they deserve, according to sources.
Details of the Proposed Measures
The National Assembly of People's Power approved a set of 176 measures organized into 23 strategic axes, which their proponents claim represent the most profound transformation of Cuba's economic model since the adoption of communism nearly 70 years ago.
The proposals include opening up to private banking, converting state enterprises into commercial companies, removing the 100-worker cap for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing imports and exports without state intermediaries, and granting permits for fast-food chains.
Reactions and Skepticism
Despite the formal scope of these measures, President Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba is not abandoning socialism, directly countering Washington's demands for systemic change.
Cuban-American political analyst Luis Carlos Battista told The Associated Press that elements long considered pillars of the revolutionary economy, such as the state's monopoly on foreign trade and the centralization of productive forces, have been dismantled. However, he warned of numerous implementation challenges, including a "slow and inefficient" bureaucracy.
Lee Schlenker, a researcher at the Quincy Institute in Washington, noted that the reforms will only have a real impact if accompanied by the gradual lifting of U.S. bans and sanctions, particularly those targeting partners of the state conglomerate GAESA.
Professor Paolo Spadoni from Augusta University in Georgia emphasized the urgency of the situation: "If Cuban leaders hope to survive this unprecedented crisis and U.S. pressure, they must act swiftly in implementing reforms and achieving tangible results."
Public Sentiment and Ongoing Crisis
The announcements were met with mixed feelings from the public. A 63-year-old private business employee expressed optimism about improvements, while a 65-year-old fisherman warned, "Now we're on our own, the government doesn't protect us anymore." Skepticism dominated social media, with comments like "same old dog with a different collar," and reports of pot-banging protests in Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and Havana during the plenary session.
Cuba's crisis, ongoing since 2021, worsened in 2026 due to the Trump administration's sanctions, which have accumulated over 240 measures since January and slashed the island's energy imports by 80% to 90%. Power outages now last between 20 to 40 hours daily. "I leave for work in the dark and return home in the dark," summarized Juana Pérez, a 54-year-old vendor.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Economic Reforms
What are the key components of Cuba's proposed economic reforms?
The reforms include opening private banking, converting state enterprises into commercial entities, lifting the cap on small and medium-sized businesses, allowing imports and exports without state intermediaries, and permitting fast-food chains.
Why does the U.S. view these reforms as "smoke signals"?
The U.S. views them as superficial moves that create the illusion of change without resulting in actual political transformation, as they believe the Cuban regime uses such tactics to maintain control.
How has the public in Cuba reacted to these announcements?
Reactions have been mixed, with some expressing hope for improvement, while others are skeptical, fearing that these measures might not lead to significant changes in their daily lives.