In an extraordinary session, Cuba's State Council approved two new decrees on Thursday, marking another step in the government's ongoing efforts to transform the nation's economic and social landscape.
The Communist Party's official newspaper, Granma, detailed that the decrees address the "Cuban State Business System" and amendments to "Decree Law No. 76 on Agricultural Cooperatives." The public's reaction was swift and characterized by skepticism, frustration, and widespread confusion.
Public Skepticism and Official Claims
Presided over by Esteban Lazo Hernández, the State Council's president, the session emphasized that the first decree reaffirms the socialist state enterprise as the primary economic entity, while also expanding state companies' autonomy. These regulations will soon appear in the Official Gazette for public awareness.
Roberto Ricardo Marrero, head of the newly established National Institute of State-Owned Business Assets (INAEES), stated that the decrees address "16 out of 17 transformations related to Thematic Axis 1" and promote "12 transformations in other areas."
Public's Frustration and Satire
While the government touted the decrees' approval, Cubans took to social media to voice their discontent, blending irony with frustration. One user remarked, "Same dog, different collar," while another bluntly questioned, "What's the new gimmick now?"
Commentators pointed out the disconnect between reform ambitions and everyday reality. "Any economic transformation requires basic conditions: electricity, water, fuel. How are these measures supposed to work? By magic?" one person wondered.
The practicality of the law was doubted in numerous comments. "Lots of decrees and laws every year, but nothing actually gets done"; "The more decrees they create, the deeper the country sinks, while the leaders live better."
Distrust in Government Policies
A reader encapsulated the deep-seated distrust in the regime's policies: "It's all about taking and giving. Decree laws are the most changeable thing in Cuba and generate the least trust."
Others questioned the approval process itself. "Why pass the decree now instead of waiting for the National Assembly on July 29? With decrees, axes, goals, measures, and actions, they've created a maze of categories with incomprehensible language to deceive the people."
Historical Context of Reforms
These new decrees are part of the largest set of economic reforms approved in Cuba in decades, comprising 176 measures ratified by the National Assembly on June 18 and 19, 2026, organized into 23 thematic axes.
"If reforms and guidelines were all it took, Cuba would be the world's capital," a user concluded, summarizing decades of unmet promises.
Understanding Cuba's New Decrees
What are the new decrees approved by Cuba's State Council?
The new decrees address the "Cuban State Business System" and make amendments to "Decree Law No. 76 on Agricultural Cooperatives."
How did the Cuban public react to these decrees?
The public reacted with skepticism, frustration, and confusion, expressing doubts about the practical impact of these measures on social media.
What concerns do Cubans have about the new decrees?
Cubans are concerned about the feasibility and actual implementation of the decrees, questioning the lack of basic conditions necessary for economic transformation.