Cuban President’s Efforts to Address Concerns
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, along with top officials, made efforts on Monday to provide reassurance to the country regarding the upcoming five-fold increase in gasoline prices. They stated that the price rises and tax hikes were necessary. However, they acknowledged that more explanation may be required to address the concerns of those affected. Critics have argued that these measures are ill-timed, inflationary, and lack incentives for domestic production.
National Debate and Explanations
During a recent Council of Minister’s meeting, Diaz-Canel highlighted the need for political leaders to prepare themselves for a national debate as these measures take effect. He emphasized the importance of explaining the situation well to workers’ groups and the party core. The summary of the meeting, published by the president’s office, called for the communist-run government to address any deviations from the “spirit” of Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Citizens
Cubans, who have already endured years of shortages, high prices, and long lines for essentials such as gasoline, bread, and chicken, are bracing themselves for further difficulties with the impending price hikes in February. The announced measures have already weakened the peso by nearly 5% on the informal market this year, resulting in reduced buying power and fueling inflation even before the full effects of the measures have been realized.
The Government’s Plan to Regain Control
Economy Minister Alejandro Gil stated that the government is striving to regain control of the peso and the illegal black market exchange, as previously announced. The progress towards this objective is well underway, and a solution is expected to be implemented within this year.