Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel took the stage at the XXII Congress of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC) this past Friday to advocate for the 176 economic reforms approved on June 18. He assured that these changes are not the result of any external pressure and promised that the most vulnerable citizens will not be left behind. His reassuring words were delivered to union delegates in a nation where a staggering 89% of the populace lives in extreme poverty.
As reported by the state-run Cubadebate, Díaz-Canel commenced his address with a lengthy denunciation of the U.S. embargo, labeling it as "the longest in history," and portrayed the current situation as a "war economy." However, for the Cuban people, what's needed more than creative solutions is something more immediate: food.
Defending Sovereignty Amid External Pressures
In terms of the reforms' origin, Díaz-Canel was unequivocal: "We are doing this to improve ourselves, to move forward, to overcome the blockade, to shatter the empire's belief that they can subdue us." He emphasized that no external forces had dictated these changes. The fact that the Trump administration signed Executive Order 14380 on January 29, 2026—imposing an energy blockade that led to power outages exceeding twenty hours daily—and Executive Order 14404 on May 1, which extended secondary sanctions internationally, seemed to him merely coincidental.
The U.S. Department of State had already dismissed the 176 measures approved by the Cuban regime as mere "superficial smoke signals." In contrast, Díaz-Canel presented them as the result of an extensive popular debate and a sovereign decision: "It was necessary to save the Revolution, to continue building socialism," he declared, without specifying which revolution he referred to in a country where national food production has plummeted by 67% over five years.
Commitment to the Most Vulnerable
The Cuban leader strongly refuted claims that the poorest would be excluded from sharing in the benefits. "In these transformations, everything applied must focus on the most vulnerable sectors, considering retirees. We aim for benefits that reduce inequality, not increase it," he insisted. This promise seeks to reassure Cuban retirees who receive pensions of about 3,300 pesos monthly—less than seven dollars—while a 30-egg carton in the private market costs 3,600 pesos, exceeding a pensioner's entire monthly income.
Faced with this reality, Díaz-Canel posed a rhetorical question: "Isn't that socialism? Seeking human solidarity, seeking community solidarity." For millions of Cubans who have long awaited tangible solidarity in the form of a meal, the answer may be quite different.
Local Production as a Solution
Concerning food security, Díaz-Canel emphasized local self-production and urged Cubans to abandon the mindset of waiting for external solutions: "The main food we consume is what we can produce ourselves, participating from the municipality, from the community. With or without fuel." This statement, in the context of power outages that forced schools to end their year early due to energy shortages, strikes a tone between heroic and surreal.
Education and Workforce Involvement
Regarding education, Díaz-Canel portrayed it as an untouched achievement: "We have made tremendous efforts not to close the school year amid our situation. That is social justice." He omitted, however, that the 2025-2026 school year began with a shortage of thousands of teachers, was advanced due to the lack of fuel, and that the removal of university entrance exams was not an act of generosity but rather a response to the logistical collapse of the system.
The president also called on workers to be key players in the implementation of these measures, warning that "without the active participation of workers, the recently approved economic and social transformations will not achieve the desired results for the country." This is an additional burden for Cubans who earn average salaries of around 7,000 pesos monthly in a country where the basic cost of living exceeds 96,000 pesos per month.
With the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) projecting a 6.5% decline in Cuba's GDP for 2026—the worst in Latin America for a second consecutive year—economist Pedro Monreal warns that the downturn could reach 15%. Facing such a scenario, Díaz-Canel concluded with the familiar promise: "We are not just enduring; we are creatively resisting. The country will advance, and we will prevail."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Reforms
What are the key changes in Cuba's economic reforms?
The reforms include 176 economic changes aimed at improving the country's economy and overcoming external pressures, while ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind.
How has the U.S. responded to Cuba's economic measures?
The U.S. Department of State described the measures as "superficial smoke signals," indicating skepticism about their effectiveness and authenticity.
What challenges do Cuban retirees face under these reforms?
Cuban retirees face significant challenges, as their pensions are insufficient to cover basic necessities, like food, in a market where prices are soaring.