Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated that a recently approved package of 176 economic measures by the National Assembly is designed to create opportunities for young Cubans to secure their future on the island, eliminating the need to emigrate.
"First and foremost, we are ensuring that every young person in Cuba has universal access to education. I would argue, without any chauvinism, that our educational standards are significant, with both our general and university education systems being robust and efficient," Díaz-Canel remarked.
These comments were made during an interview with Dominican journalist Roberto Cavada, broadcasted by Telesistema in the Dominican Republic on June 19.
According to Díaz-Canel, the solid educational foundation has allowed Cuban university graduates to excel internationally. "It's essential to maintain this," he emphasized.
While proposing a second approach to retain young talent in Cuba, he did not provide details on how the government plans to deliver tangible results. He alluded to economic incentives and opportunities for individual projects within the nation.
"The next step is to consider what incentives and programs we need to establish so that, upon reaching a certain level of qualification, young people can envision a future here. I believe these economic transformations we are undertaking will facilitate such projects," he stated.
Legal Framework and Economic Opportunities for Youth
Addressing the international press, Díaz-Canel insisted that legal pathways for youth development are already established, linking them to the Family Code.
"We also need to consider issues like salaries, monetary policies, and credit systems, so young people can progress as they start their lives. This is supported by the Family Code, one of the most recent pieces of Cuban legislation, and the Law 178 Code for Childhood, Adolescents, and Youth. I believe this is the direction we should pursue to achieve our goals," he elaborated.
Díaz-Canel urged Cuban youth to measure themselves not by material possessions or comparisons with peers worldwide, but by their knowledge and education.
"Young people need to have confidence and a critical mindset. This requires knowledge and culture. Above all, our efforts in educating Cuban youth should lead to distinguishing themselves by culture and knowledge, not possessions. They should use this knowledge and culture to contribute positively as citizens to their country's development," he advised.
Commitment to National Identity Over Foreign Influence
He also encouraged young Cubans to reject the idea of annexation to the United States, emphasizing a commitment to the nation and the Revolution.
"When a young person delves into our identity, history, and culture, it would be foolish not to see that Cuba's alternative cannot be annexation to the United States. There's no future for Cuba in such annexation. Instead, it's about making the country great, perfecting it, and contributing to its development with a sense of identity and commitment to the nation and the Revolution," he declared.
Díaz-Canel discussed the challenge for the regime to guide young Cubans away from alternative ideologies.
"We need to ensure our youth prioritize humanism, part of our identity and revolutionary vocation, over algorithms. Let them embrace our cultural identity against cultural colonization or globalization's trivialization. Our youth should prioritize solidarity over the selfishness fostered by capitalist consumer societies," he asserted.
Finally, he highlighted, "They must trust themselves and recognize their vital role in the nation's present and future."
This address comes amidst the worst multidimensional crisis Cuba has experienced in decades, prompting an exodus of over a million Cubans since 2021, 77% of whom are between 15 and 49 years old. However, Díaz-Canel denied that emigration is a uniquely Cuban issue.
"There's much discussion about young Cubans emigrating as if it's solely a Cuban problem. Emigration is a global issue," he countered.
Concerning the 176 measures, which include private banking, foreign franchises, municipal autonomy, and opportunities for investment by Cubans abroad, Díaz-Canel dismissed any notion that these are concessions to U.S. pressure: "Trump doesn't dictate terms in Cuba, nor does the U.S. government. Cuba remains sovereign."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Reforms
What are the key components of the 176 economic measures approved in Cuba?
The 176 economic measures include initiatives such as private banking, foreign franchises, municipal autonomy, and opening avenues for investment by Cubans living abroad.
How does Díaz-Canel propose to retain young talent in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel suggests that by creating economic incentives and opportunities for individual projects and ensuring a robust education system, young people can build their futures in Cuba.
Why does Díaz-Canel reject the idea of Cuban annexation to the United States?
Díaz-Canel argues that annexation would undermine Cuba's identity and sovereignty. He believes that the future of Cuba depends on strengthening national identity and commitment to the Revolution.