Raúl Castro 'fully agrees' with Cuba's economic reforms, party says

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro has expressed his full agreement with the economic reforms currently under consideration by the extraordinary plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). The party announced that Castro, a key political figure on the island, participated in the meeting via videoconference.

According to José Amado Ricardo Guerra, a member of the PCC's Political Bureau, Castro believes that "the best ideas always emerge from collective analysis and even disagreements." Guerra conveyed Castro's call for participation in the crucial meeting to enrich its content and build consensus for the proposed transformations, which he deems essential for the revolution's current needs.

Castro also cautioned that the successful implementation and timely execution of these reforms, with clear priorities and the conscious participation of the Cuban people, are as important, if not more so, than their approval. He urged for practical action, grounded in reality, and a close consideration of the population's opinions and concerns.

The PCC described the ongoing debate as "broad and enriching," recognizing the depth of the economic and social proposals as a "creative, audacious, brave, and revolutionary response to the asphyxiation and economic war" faced by the nation. These reforms, which include introducing new actors in tourism, fostering foreign investment, expanding the private sector, and decentralizing decision-making, are seen as tools to strengthen socialist development. The economic measures come at a critical time, as Cuba's economy has contracted significantly due to the pandemic, U.S. sanctions, and internal policy failures.