Ensuring internal order: A Cuban strategic objective in times of threat

Image via the PCC

Via Granma and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), translated from the Spanish

The 5th National Exercise for the Prevention and Confrontation of Crime, Corruption, Drugs, Illegal Activities, and Social Indiscipline has begun in Cuba, this time with the purpose of intensifying actions against these acts and behaviors that threaten the country's priorities.

It is being carried out under particularly complex circumstances, as a consequence of the intensified economic, commercial, and financial blockade, the oil embargo, the increase in sanctions, hostility, psychological warfare, and the threats of military action by the U.S. government against Cuba.

True to the legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, in the year of his centenary, the Exercise is consistent with his instruction to "pay special attention to internal order, since the scarcity of resources could cause an increase in criminal activity, particularly against the economy, and to think of this task as a responsibility of all institutions and political and administrative cadres."

Cubans are all in this fight together, pushing for stronger action to ensure there’s no room for impunity. It’s important to acknowledge the size of the threats Cuba faces, the challenges at home and beyond, and the responsibility to safeguard citizen security—a cherished achievement of the Revolution—even as we deal with hardships like power outages that disrupt family life, community well-being, and access to basic necessities.

We must especially strengthen the protection and security of the National Power System and fuels, as well as the food production and distribution program. At the same time, preventing and combating drugs, corruption, and price gouging and speculation is a priority.

In the current circumstances, it is of particular importance to resolutely confront acts of vandalism and social indiscipline, which, as is well known, are often instigated by the enemy for subversive purposes. These acts, along with the resulting material damage, are sometimes linked to violent acts against the lives and physical safety of individuals, all aimed at generating a climate of discontent and social unrest. This demands strict adherence to the law and the necessary support for the authorities in the exercise of their duties, as well as for those who act in defense of these precious assets.

As the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, stated during the past exercise, These days offer a chance to build our strength and ensure, even in the midst of the challenges we face, public peace, respect for order, national stability, social responsibility, and most importantly, active involvement in the key tasks that lie ahead.

The Revolution’s leadership has made it clear that the fight for order, discipline, and peace relies on the unity of revolutionary forces under the Party’s guidance, with active involvement from the State, the Government, the Union of Young Communists, and various mass and social organizations.

In this effort, it is essential to achieve high levels of popular participation and control, reflecting a mature and ideologically committed defense of the socialist project we are building. In short, guaranteeing internal order is a strategic objective in times of threat.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC