Leave no one behind: Cuban PM addresses National Assembly of People's Power

Images via the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) - Vladimir Molina

By Katherin Hormigó Rubio, translated from the Spanish

In the morning session of the first day of the 5th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People's Power during its 10th Legislature, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz evaluated the implementation and impact of the measures in the Government Program designed to correct distortions and stimulate the economy.

The report highlighted that with the measures implemented in telecommunications services last May, there was a jump in revenue from international top-ups to $540,000 daily, up from about $10,000 previously.

Marrero Cruz explained that when evaluating the impact of government measures to correct distortions and boost the economy, telecommunications companies reported losses exceeding $500 million over the past three years, but in the first 46 days of the new rates, $24,839,000 had been billed, which is now being invested in improving services.

He also highlighted that during this time, complaints resulting from acknowledged mistakes in the implementation of these measures have been resolved.

Among the results is a surplus in the State Budget during the first four months of 2025, which at the end of the semester had become a slight deficit of 7.714 billion pesos, only 21% of what was planned for the period.

Conversely, the current account consistently showed surpluses each month, with gross revenue surpassing its target, including a 6% rise in taxes. This achievement resulted from enhanced budgetary control and discipline, along with the non-implementation of planned subsidies.

The report outlined fiscal and tax control measures that resulted in identifying debts exceeding 4 billion pesos, with a collection rate of 62%. Additionally, significant progress was made in establishing fiscal bank accounts, now operational for 96.4% of taxpayers. However, it highlighted the need for stricter actions to eliminate violations in the use of these accounts, as 26% still have no balance.

At the end of June, year-on-year inflation was 14.75%, which is lower than the projected 30%, although the public has not yet noticed the slowing trend.

A significant focus was placed on price controls, resulting in over one million inspections during the semester. These inspections uncovered more than 675,000 violations, leading to the imposition of 661,000 fines, amounting to over 2 billion pesos. Thousands of forced sales, establishment closures, and seizures took place.

The Prime Minister further clarified that, regarding monetary and exchange rate policy, 29 self-financing schemes in foreign currency were approved for various sectors and economic activities. Other changes in this policy included the use of prepaid cards for legal entities or organizations, making payments in dollars to foreign entities, accepting cash in foreign currency for certain specific services, and making payments in foreign currency to producers.

Another key indicator was the slowdown in the amount of money circulating in the economy. However, the levels remain high compared to the recommended standards, with an increase in the amounts held by the population and the non-state sector.

In Cuba, over 6 million people are utilizing at least one of the national payment gateways, according to the Prime Minister. He noted that both the volume and the number of transactions conducted via electronic payment channels are on the rise, though they have not yet achieved the anticipated levels for online payments. Consequently, steps are being implemented to promote their use by non-state payment systems.

Concerning the debt renegotiation, Marrero stated that agreements have been made with key countries, and credit management with various banks is on the rise. He reiterated that Cuba "will fulfill its payment obligations to foreign businesspeople and investors."

Before concluding with Objective 2, the Prime Minister stated that the country's external revenue incentives have not been achieved as planned by this date, but that what has been implemented will allow for substantial improvements in the second half of 2025.

Agriculture, a pillar of the Revolution

Concerning the rise in national production, particularly in food, the Prime Minister stated that during the first half of the year, over 20,000 tons more food were produced compared to the same timeframe last year, with the majority of this output coming from urban and suburban agriculture.

Discussing the cleanup efforts to address existing illegalities in land and livestock management, Marrero Cruz noted that significant work has been accomplished and will continue, with monthly inspections covering 10% of land and livestock owners.

He mentioned that 70 municipalities are currently providing their own milk, stating, "However, we need to advance further, as there is potential for an additional 22 to join the ranks." He also pointed out that the goals for the sugar plan, along with the honey and alcohol plans for the sugar harvest, were not achieved.

In order to leverage available capacities in various production lines, he cited as an example the existence of several ministries with partnerships with private actors. The Ministry of Industry has 2,741 linkages with MSMEs; the Food Industry has more than 1,000; Domestic Trade has 113; and the Ministry of Agriculture has 55.

With full self-criticism, he admitted that even though the planting campaign is advancing beyond the levels of previous years, the agricultural plans still fall short of meeting the population's food production needs.

There is still much to be done in business resizing.

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stressed the importance of continuing efforts to eliminate loss-making companies entirely during his speech on the resizing and development of socialist state-owned enterprises and the complementary role of other economic actors.

In the report presented at the ANPP, it was noted that 279 companies closed with losses in the first half of the year, 54 fewer than in the previous period.

He highlighted the significance of the National Institute of Non-State Economic Actors' approval and discussed the advancements in the Business Law, which has been actively debated in Parliament and is anticipated to receive approval by December 2025, as per the legislative timetable.

Marrero Cruz noted that the authorized powers have not been completely or properly utilized within the business system. He mentioned that issues have been identified in the implementation of Decree 87 concerning salary distribution. To address this, changes will be needed in September through a new legal regulation aimed at making payments more flexible for both state and non-state economic entities.

Regarding non-state economic actors, he reported that nearly 496,000 people are self-employed, 11,745 MSMEs have been approved, and those focused on production have been prioritized.

He noted that while some instances of corruption have been identified among them, there is also progress in forming joint ventures between state and private economic entities.

Marrero noted that just 33 municipalities joined the existing 16 in approving economic actors in their areas. He further mentioned that it is worrying that 878 MSMEs have reported losses, which is 43 more than in the prior phase.

In the retail sector, the Prime Minister recognized that the basic food basket has not yet been fulfilled. However, passenger transportation is advancing across all provinces with the use of route buses, tricycles, and microbuses. Although these options don't meet all expectations, they are likely to expand. He mentioned, "The transportation fund will allow for a slight improvement in technical availability."

At the conclusion of Objective 4, he addressed the difficulties with the water supply, but reported that a robust process of importing new equipment has been underway, which will significantly improve the service in the coming months.

Improving government management

During his speech, referring to territorial development, the Prime Minister said that 2,261 local development projects have been approved and the legal regulations governing their operation have been updated.

To demonstrate his progress, he informed the deputies that 288 projects are underway with external funding across 113 municipalities. He highlighted that although there has been advancement in local budgets, there has been less headway in consolidating strategic management processes and strengthening municipalities, which have not significantly tackled staff and operational challenges. He stressed that achieving this requires ongoing central support and seeking assistance from the central level.

Concerning enhancements in government management, he mentioned that Decree 127 was enacted, setting the legal framework for budgeted units and providing salary incentives for organizations that receive special treatment.

He mentioned that it has received approval and is now in the implementation stage. Considering the issue of incomplete payrolls in budgeted units, the unused salary funds can be reallocated among those currently working and those in other vacant positions.

During this period, he highlighted the progress made in implementing Law 167 on the system for addressing complaints and requests from the public.

On the demographic issue, he announced that the Population and Housing Census will be conducted in 2026, and that the Census Registry, which is the preliminary stage, is currently underway in 143 municipalities.

He referred to the preparations for the 9th Congress of the PCC, where progress is already being made in the working committees. During the second half of the year, compliance with the Economic Guidelines will be analyzed, and the National Economic and Social Development Plan will be updated through 2030 with a projection to 2035.

He further discussed measures to enhance services and outlined strategies to bolster the national health and education systems. He, along with the representatives in their standing committees, recognized the clear issues in the quality of public health services, including shortages of equipment and medications, as well as insufficient resources for education.

Marrero highlighted that a program has been created to address and reverse this situation, focusing on finding practical solutions. Concerning health, he mentioned that outcomes are expected to become apparent in the second half of the year, as they rely on the importation of raw materials and other resources.

He commended the over 24,000 professionals engaged in medical collaboration across 56 countries, highlighting that only Cuba can achieve this due to its dedication to solidarity and altruism, despite efforts by the U.S. government to undermine this humanitarian initiative.

He also acknowledged Cuban scientists for their recent contribution of three new vaccines for pediatric use and commended the nearly 1,000 educators who provide teaching and literacy education to people in various regions.

In relation to the cultural sector, he mentioned that extensive efforts are underway, particularly within communities, to enhance the business framework of the sector and to execute the national program opposing cultural colonization. Intellectuals and other individuals who consistently back our culture and the Revolution are crucial to this process.

He mentioned that the organization of sports activities in neighborhoods is being structured, preparations for the next Olympic cycle are ongoing, and further information will be disclosed in the upcoming report by the Institute of Sport, Culture, and Recreation.

He stated that the housing program is not advancing as expected. By the end of the semester's statistics, only 53% of the plan is anticipated to be completed. In addition to the issues arising from the shortage of essential resources like cement, steel, and fuel, there has been a lack of effort to explore alternatives and enhance the production of local materials to push forward this crucial program, which is one of the country's major social challenges.

Leave no one behind

The deputies gave a standing ovation in the plenary session upon hearing the news of the pension increase for individuals earning up to 4,000 pesos, which was announced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz this Wednesday at the National Assembly of People's Parties (ANPP).

This partial measure will be implemented starting in September and covers 1,324,599 people, representing 79% of those receiving an old-age, disability, or widow's pension.

For the 438,572 retirees who currently receive the minimum pension of 1,528 pesos, this measure will double their income. In total, 82% of those receiving up to 2,472 pesos will receive an increase equal to the current minimum pension.

The leader stated that this partial pension increase became feasible after identifying the financial source for its support, as a complete overhaul of the entire social security system is not currently possible. The estimated cost of this measure is about 22 billion pesos.

Marrero Cruz previously stated that the unemployment rate had reached 1.7%, a figure that does not account for all working-age individuals who are not employed. Additionally, there is a significant labor turnover rate of 16%, prompting the development of strategies to promote job retention. The informal employment rate stands at 20%, which is another metric that needs to be addressed by employers.

Concerning Objective 8 on executing general directives to prevent and reduce crime, corruption, illegality, and social indiscipline, the Prime Minister noted that while crime has been contained and reduced through increased efforts, the crime rates remain elevated.

He emphasized the measures being implemented in the country to combat drug trafficking, a challenge that can be overcome, and reiterated the zero-tolerance stance against this harmful phenomenon. Concerning corruption, he urged for decisive action, regardless of the perpetrator.

He also highlighted the necessity for improved internal control and security measures to eradicate the causes and conditions that result in theft within warehouses, processing centers, and storage facilities.

While discussing Objective 9 regarding the execution of the Government Program aimed at restoring the National Electric Power System, he mentioned that since November of last year, $1.15 billion and 15 billion pesos have been dedicated to this effort.

Initiatives for the broader implementation of science and technology, the nation's digital transformation, and the integration of artificial intelligence were also highlighted.

Marrero Cruz outlined the advancements achieved in the first half of 2025, focusing on areas such as the foreign exchange market, the system for managing, controlling, and distributing foreign currency, establishing incentives for exports and foreign investment, and creating new business models among various economic actors.

He discussed the challenges in tackling the issues that most impact the population, including electricity, water, food, transportation, medicine, high prices, and social policies. He also announced that an updated government program for the second half of the year will be released.

In summary, the Government Program aimed at correcting distortions and stimulating the economy, under the Party's guidance, will remain the guiding framework for efforts. It focuses on achieving its objectives, goals, and indicators within set timelines. This approach will enable progress toward the gradual economic recovery and address the issues most impacting the population.

To effectively implement the program, it must be more deeply integrated into grassroots work systems, with strong support from our heroic people and their creative abilities. Preserving and strengthening Unity will remain our primary strategic weapon.

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