Economist Elías Amor has sharply criticized comments made by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, who recently concluded a training session for state enterprise managers in Havana. Marrero asserted that "the initial changes" from the 176 economic transformations approved in June are already evident.
During his weekly segment on CiberCuba with Tania Costa, Amor described these remarks as a significant scandal. "It's shameless to claim improvements when Cubans are scavenging for food in the trash, and the power outages persist," he stated.
Marrero defended his positive outlook by pointing out that 158 of the 176 transformations are underway, supported by 194 legal regulations published in the Official Gazette, representing 89% of the reform package.
Amor refuted this reasoning bluntly. "Marrero needs to understand that merely publishing regulations, resolutions, and decrees in the Official Gazette doesn't stimulate an economy," he argued.
Questioning the Regime's Economic Logic
According to Amor, the correct approach is the opposite of the regime's. "Economic stimulation begins with boosting private sector activities, and only after operations are running smoothly should regulations be introduced to prevent undesirable outcomes," he explained.
Amor also highlighted internal contradictions among the regime's leaders. While Marrero claims the transformations will enhance the people's quality of life, Díaz-Canel previously admitted these measures were published "to attempt to sustain socialism."
"Where do we stand?" Amor questioned. "It's clear to any rational Cuban that the current quality of life conditions are not indicative of socialism, especially after 67 years of failure."
Economic Indicators Paint a Grim Picture
Amor's skepticism is supported by data. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) for January-May 2026, net sales in the state sector dropped by 29.2% compared to the previous year, while pre-tax profits plummeted by 31.5%, from 97,628 million to 66,922 million pesos.
The number of loss-making state enterprises increased from 252 in the same period of 2025 to 363 in 2026, marking a 44% rise.
The crisis goes beyond statistics. On the same day Marrero announced progress, a gas pipeline failure left seven municipalities in Havana without gas, a coincidence Amor found noteworthy.
The economist warned of the potential dangers posed by the gas situation. "Even the gas supply is problematic, posing a real threat. The pipelines are poorly constructed and maintained, increasing the risk of a disaster."
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian backdrop is equally dire. In April-May 2026, the Food Monitor Program estimated that 96.91% of Cubans lacked adequate food access, while the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights reported 89% of Cubans lived in extreme poverty, with seven out of ten skipping at least one meal daily.
Despite Marrero's insistence on the socialist state enterprise as "the primary economic entity" by constitutional mandate, the microenterprise sector — the only growing sector with a 35% increase — moves in a direction opposite to the regime's strategy.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What are the key criticisms made by Elías Amor regarding Cuba's economic transformations?
Elías Amor criticizes the regime's approach to economic transformations, arguing that publishing regulations in the Official Gazette does not stimulate the economy. He emphasizes the importance of initially boosting private sector activities before introducing regulations.
How do current economic indicators reflect the state of Cuba's economy?
Recent data indicates a significant decline in the state sector, with net sales dropping by 29.2% and pre-tax profits falling by 31.5%. Additionally, the number of loss-making state enterprises has risen by 44%.
What humanitarian issues are currently impacting Cuba?
A substantial portion of the Cuban population lacks adequate food access, with 96.91% affected, while 89% live in extreme poverty. Many Cubans are forced to skip meals daily due to these dire conditions.