Amelia Calzadilla, leader of the Cuban Classical Liberal Party (PLCC), has raised concerns that the economic reforms announced by Díaz-Canel's regime are not a genuine opening but rather a maneuver allowing the communist "nomenklatura" to publicly claim ownership of the national assets they have effectively controlled for decades.
In a conversation with Tania Costa on CiberCuba, Calzadilla drew a direct comparison to the Soviet-era reforms. "I feel they are indeed trying a Perestroika. I believe they are seeking a change similar to the Russians," she remarked.
The activist argues that the inclusion of private property in the set of 176 measures approved on June 12th will not benefit the average Cuban citizen but will instead favor those who have long manipulated the country for their own gain.
"It seems they aim to register the 'nomenklatura' under the names of all the companies, of all those proprietors to whom they handed over our national wealth."
This perspective aligns with that of economist Mauricio de Miranda Parrondo, who warned in CiberCuba that these measures could mark the beginning of an "authoritarian patrimonial capitalism," echoing the post-Soviet Russian model where elites close to power seized state assets without transparency or fair opportunity.
Contradictions in the Official Discourse
Calzadilla points out the paradox in the official narrative, which simultaneously endorses private property and communism. "It's completely anachronistic to declare an economic opening, recognizing private property—contradicting socialist laws—while asserting the continuation of socialism and communism," she states.
This inconsistency, she argues, is a direct admission of failure. "When someone defends private property but shortly after proclaims their belief in communism and the primacy of state enterprises... Yet, if state enterprises are failing and unprofitable, it's clear the economy is unproductive."
Evidence of Economic Collapse
Calzadilla highlights the signs of the model's collapse: rampant inflation, declining wages, labor shortages, and a massive exodus that has depleted the country.
Between 2020 and 2024, Cuba saw approximately 24% of its population—around 1.79 million people—leave due to migration, marking the largest historical exodus in peacetime.
"This mass departure is the clearest indication of incompetence, demonstrating that this model neither fosters nor drives development," she pointed out.
The activist concludes that the regime's measures are an implicit acknowledgment of ideological defeat but do not constitute a viable solution as long as the contradiction remains unrecognized: "These measures admit the socialist model's incompetence, yet you persistently claim to implement socialism. You're not the right person to guide these measures effectively because you lack understanding."
Calzadilla concluded her analysis by stressing an often overlooked aspect of the debate: "Impunity is at play here. They are human rights violators, and we cannot let this go unchecked."
Understanding Cuba's Economic and Political Shifts
What are the main concerns about Cuba's recent economic reforms?
The primary concerns are that these reforms are not genuine economic openings but strategies for the existing communist elites to consolidate control over national assets.
How do these reforms compare to historical events?
Amelia Calzadilla sees a parallel between Cuba's reforms and the Soviet Union's Perestroika, suggesting a similar attempt at change driven by internal elites.
How has Cuba's population been affected by recent developments?
Cuba has experienced a significant population decline, with around 24% of its citizens emigrating between 2020 and 2024, highlighting the country's economic and social challenges.