President Díaz-Canel Claims Economic Reforms Aim to "Reduce Inequality and Enhance Social Justice"

This past Friday, Cuba's Presidential Office released a segment from the radio program "Criterio Compartido," originally aired on October 8th by Radio Rebelde. In this segment, President Miguel Díaz-Canel depicted the economic reforms as a strategy to bolster social programs and diminish inequalities.

The president stated that the nation currently runs over 32 initiatives targeting family issues and disclosed that a recent survey identified more than 800,000 individuals as vulnerable, a figure that official sources have adjusted to approximately 883,000.

Despite promises of equity, the economic and social metrics challenge these claims. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts a Cuban GDP shrinkage of 6.5% by 2026, following a cumulative decline of 10.3% over the prior two years. Meanwhile, official year-on-year inflation hit 25.19% in August, with food prices climbing over 36%.

The minimum pension, set at 4,000 pesos monthly, equates to about five dollars on the unofficial exchange market. The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights reports that 79% of individuals over 70 years old cannot afford three daily meals.

Resource Allocation Discrepancies

The distribution of state resources further questions the government's narrative of broadening social justice. Reports from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) and civil organizations like the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory indicate that around 40% of state investments are funneled into tourism and hotel construction, whereas only 2.7% to 2.75% is allocated to health and social assistance. This disparity raises significant questions about the government's economic priorities amid widespread shortages affecting the populace.

Role of Military Conglomerate GAESA

Critics also point to the role of the military conglomerate GAESA, which manages tourism ventures through its Gaviota S.A. division. Independent media investigations estimate the group holds between 14.5 billion and 18 billion dollars in liquid assets abroad and in tax havens, funds that reportedly do not enter the state budget nor undergo public audits.

The U.S. has labeled the conglomerate as "the core of Cuba's communist kleptocratic system," accusing it of generating revenues that benefit the elites rather than the general welfare of the Cuban people.

Public Discontent and Governmental Acknowledgment

During the program, over 50 citizens called in to voice concerns about medication shortages, deficiencies in basic services, and bureaucratic hurdles. Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the medication deficit is linked to a lack of foreign currency but suggested that the crisis spurs citizen creativity, a statement critics see as shifting blame for the crisis onto the Cuban populace.

"Criterio Compartido" debuted on September 23 and airs bi-weekly as part of the regime's communication strategy to present the 176 economic and social reforms approved by the National Assembly in June as a participatory process.

In this context, Cubans like Cesáreo Navas have publicly demanded "less rhetoric, fewer slogans and heroic calls, and more food, medication, and respect for all human rights," addressing these concerns directly to Díaz-Canel in an open letter.