In a rare moment of self-criticism, Miguel Díaz-Canel conceded his administration's shortcomings in managing Cuba's economy during an interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman. The Cuban President admitted that the current crisis is not solely due to the U.S. embargo but also to internal mistakes made under his leadership. "It would be dishonest to say no mistakes have been made. It's impossible to work under these pressures without errors," Díaz-Canel stated from the Palacio de la Revolución in a YouTube interview broadcast by the Cuban Presidency.
While Díaz-Canel reiterated that the "fundamental" cause of the crisis remains the "criminal blockade" by the United States—particularly the sanctions enforced during Donald Trump's presidency and maintained by the Biden administration—he acknowledged that domestic factors have also exacerbated the island's deteriorating conditions. "There's been a convergence of the blockade and inconsistencies, errors in implementing specific economic measures designed to improve the situation that haven't had the full impact," he confessed.
Missteps and Challenges
Among these missteps, Díaz-Canel pointed to the flawed Tarea Ordenamiento, the country’s import-dependent mindset, lack of investment in strategic sectors like agriculture and renewable energy, and severe issues such as corruption, administrative inefficiency, and a brain drain. He identified the two most pressing problems as the energy deficit and food insecurity. Frequent power outages, a major public grievance, are attributed to outdated thermoelectric plants, lack of spare parts, and investment challenges. "The system is built on technology over 40 years old," he admitted. "We haven't managed the limited resources efficiently," he added.
Regarding food supply, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the country's failure to sustain the basic food basket: "We haven't made necessary investments in agriculture and food production." He also admitted that the Revolution's historic "achievements," like free healthcare and education, have suffered. More than 70% of essential medications are in short supply, and infant mortality rates, once a hallmark of the system's success, have worsened. "It's affected us significantly. We're not standing idly by, but the indicators have deteriorated," he noted.
Educational and Social Challenges
In the education sector, Díaz-Canel highlighted issues including equipment shortages, book printing difficulties, teachers' declining purchasing power, and the mass exodus of professionals. Despite the bleak diagnosis, he maintained that Cuba's socialist model is the only feasible path forward. "Even if the blockade tightens further, we'll respond with talent, creativity, and innovation," he argued. However, his assertion stands in stark contrast to the growing popular dissatisfaction within the island and among Cuban emigrants, who view the long-standing official rhetoric with skepticism.
Throughout the interview, Díaz-Canel repeatedly called for resistance, unity among the people, and adherence to the ethical values of the Revolution. However, his message is overshadowed by the reality: an impoverished island, a population burdened by shortages, and unprecedented emigration. For the thousands of Cubans enduring daily blackouts, shortages, and high prices, the President's words offer little solace, serving instead as evidence of a failed model that persists in blaming the blockade while avoiding deeper responsibilities.
Understanding the Cuban Economic Crisis
What internal factors have contributed to the Cuban economic crisis?
Internal factors include the flawed Tarea Ordenamiento, an import-dependent economy, lack of investment in agriculture and renewable energy, corruption, administrative inefficiency, and a significant brain drain.
How has the U.S. embargo affected Cuba's economy?
The U.S. embargo, described by Díaz-Canel as a "criminal blockade," has compounded Cuba's economic difficulties by restricting trade and economic growth, particularly under heightened sanctions from the Trump and Biden administrations.
What are the most critical issues facing Cuba today according to Díaz-Canel?
Díaz-Canel identified the energy deficit, due to outdated infrastructure, and food insecurity, from insufficient agricultural investment, as the most pressing challenges.
How have Cuba's social services been affected by the current crisis?
The crisis has severely impacted social services, leading to shortages in essential medications and declining standards in health and education, including a drop in teachers' purchasing power and increased infant mortality rates.