标签： Cuba

In a significant address to Cuba’s Council of Ministers, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued a compelling call for immediate implementation of transformative economic and social reforms. The Cuban leader emphasized that these changes represent the most urgent modifications needed for the country’s economic model, focusing particularly on enhancing municipal autonomy and business independence.

The comprehensive reform agenda encompasses multiple critical areas: business autonomy, municipal self-governance, restructuring of state apparatus, national food production with municipal balance sheets, energy matrix transformation including renewable sources and domestic crude oil utilization, export expansion through foreign direct investment flexibilities, economic partnerships between state and private sectors (especially at municipal level), and business engagement with Cubans residing abroad.

President Díaz-Canel stressed that these measures must collectively contribute to macroeconomic stabilization, increased foreign exchange earnings, and development of national production—with particular emphasis on food security. He noted that success largely depends on the performance of both the business system and municipal governments, urging them to fully utilize granted powers that many have yet to implement or even understand.

The municipal level emerges as the central focus of these reforms, with local governments expected to manage foreign direct investment, operate closed-loop foreign currency systems, facilitate state-private sector partnerships, design local production systems, and handle investments from overseas Cubans.

During the same session, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz presented the updated “Government’s Economic and Social Program for 2026″—previously known as the Government Program to Correct Distortions and Revitalize the Economy. The revised program maintains ten general objectives while modifying specific targets and increasing measurable indicators. The document, which underwent public consultation and expert review, is scheduled for publication this March and will be updated annually.

Economic Minister Joaquín Alonso Vázquez reported concerning economic indicators from January, with goods exports generally underperforming targets despite strong showings in honey, tobacco, lobster, rum, and biopharmaceuticals. Service exports in healthcare nearly reached 100% of targets, tourism achieved 85%, and telecommunications exceeded expectations. The minister acknowledged progress in 86 foreign currency self-financing schemes across various sectors while noting persistent challenges from the U.S. embargo.

Agricultural production continues to struggle despite intensive efforts, failing to meet population demands or compensate for planned food import deficits. January prices rose 0.67%, resulting in a 12.5% year-on-year inflation rate driven by excess liquidity and supply deficits.

The government reported that 178,666 families (303,298 beneficiaries) currently receive social assistance, including 63,788 mothers with three or more children in vulnerable situations. Social transformation initiatives are underway in 1,249 communities.

Significant progress was reported on municipal decentralization, with authority to approve non-state economic actors potentially transferring to municipalities in the first half of the year. Regulations for municipal-level approval of state-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises are also advancing.

Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy noted slow progress in municipal energy transition strategies, urging localities to develop sustainability plans using their own resources. Only nine municipalities have completed energy transition designs so far.

Finance Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale reported successful implementation of the 2025 State Budget, with strong subsidy performance, tax collection, and positive current account balance. Local budgets showed surpluses overall, with five provinces achieving particularly strong results. Municipalities will receive portions of 2025 revenue surpluses for development projects, potentially providing over 9 billion pesos for local development in 2026 when combined with Territorial Contribution funds.

The Council also addressed accounts receivable and payable issues, evaluated territorial development strategies, reviewed employment survey results showing 77.9% of workers have intermediate technical or higher education, and discussed progress at the Mariel Special Development Zone despite challenging circumstances.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued a forceful condemnation following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, characterizing the act as a grave violation of international norms and human dignity. Through an official statement posted on his Facebook profile, the Cuban leader expressed profound condolences to the Iranian people, government, and President Dr. Massoud Pezeshkian, as well as to the family of the deceased leader.

President Díaz-Canel denounced the assassination as an ‘execrable act’ that represents ‘an unscrupulous violation of all norms of International Law and human dignity.’ The Cuban head of state emphasized the significant diplomatic legacy left by Ayatollah Khamenei, noting his crucial role in fostering bilateral relations between Havana and Tehran.

In his tribute, the Cuban president memorialized the Iranian leader as ‘an outstanding statesman and leader of his people’ who made substantial contributions to the development of friendly relations between Cuba and Iran. This statement comes at a sensitive moment in international diplomacy, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations that have historically maintained close ties despite geopolitical pressures.

The assassination represents a significant escalation in political violence targeting high-level international figures and is likely to have substantial implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics and international security protocols. Cuba’s strong stance underscores its consistent foreign policy position against external interference in sovereign nations’ affairs and its commitment to multilateral international law frameworks.

Cuban authorities have announced the interception and neutralization of a vessel allegedly violating its maritime territory, characterizing the incident as a destabilization attempt. According to an official statement, border guard troops successfully halted the incursion.

The event has reignited Havana’s fierce condemnation of the longstanding U.S. economic embargo, which it labels a ‘criminal’ energy blockade. Cuban officials described the sanctions as ‘an act of direct war to suffocate the Cuban people,’ employing heightened rhetoric that frames the policy as a form of warfare. The statement concluded with the emphatic declaration: ‘Cuba is not alone! Down with the blockade!’

Supporting organizations echoed this sentiment, with the Accreven group asserting ‘No infiltrations, no blockades! Cuba must be respected!’

The Cuban Ministry of the Interior provided specific details on February 25, reporting detection of an illegal speedboat within its territorial waters. The vessel, identified with Florida registration number FL7726SH, was located approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel near Falcones Cay, in the province of Villa Clara.

In a diplomatic overture, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernandez de Cossio expressed Cuba’s willingness to collaborate with United States authorities to investigate the incident. Official channels have been activated with both the U.S. State Department and Coast Guard, with both American entities reportedly expressing readiness to cooperate in the investigation.

In an unprecedented political move, Spain’s Congress of Deputies has formally condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order intensifying economic restrictions against Cuba. The resolution marks the first official rejection by Spanish governmental institutions of U.S. policy toward the Caribbean nation.

The initiative, championed by United Left (IU) congressman Enrique Santiago and backed by the Sumar movement, received cross-party support from EH Bildu, ERC, Podemos, and Coalición Canaria. The proposal was ultimately adopted with amendments from the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE), though it faced strong opposition from conservative factions including the People’s Party (PP), Junts for Catalonia, and the far-right Vox party.

Santiago, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), issued stark warnings during parliamentary debates, asserting that the strengthened U.S. sanctions could precipitate the ‘collapse’ of essential Cuban infrastructure within weeks. He specifically highlighted vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, power grids, and transportation networks.

The resolution urges the Spanish government to formally demand the cessation of what it characterizes as ‘coercive measures’ against Cuba in all international forums. Santiago expressed hope that this parliamentary action would inspire Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a strong statement defending Cuba against what he termed ‘brutal aggression’ from the United States.

Beyond diplomatic channels, the measure calls for broader societal solidarity, encouraging both official institutions and civil society to facilitate the delivery of essential materials, goods, and energy products to address Cuba’s pressing needs. Santiago framed the initiative as a defense of fundamental principles of international law, including national sovereignty, non-interference, and the prohibition of force in international relations.

The legislator drew historical parallels, warning that the U.S. policies aim to reduce Cuba to colonial status similar to Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States. The resolution represents a significant alignment of left-wing and democratic forces in Spain around a common foreign policy position challenging U.S. hemispheric influence.

The Cuban government has issued a powerful reaffirmation of its diplomatic allegiance to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) through an official statement broadcast on social media platform X. This declaration reinforces Cuba’s commitment to strengthening what it describes as “historic ties of brotherhood, solidarity and cooperation” between the two nations.

The historical context of this relationship traces back to the Western Sahara conflict’s origin. On February 26, 1976, Spain formally withdrew from its former colony, followed by the Polisario Front’s proclamation of the SADR on February 27, 1976. The fledgling republic gained significant international recognition in November 1984 when most member states of the Organization for African Unity (now the African Union) established formal ties, with SADR maintaining full membership status in the continental organization ever since.

Cuba’s diplomatic engagement with the Sahrawi republic began in the 1980s, marked by the reciprocal establishment of embassies in each other’s territories. Beyond formal diplomatic channels, the relationship featured high-level political exchanges between leadership of Cuba’s Communist Party and representatives of the Polisario Front, illustrating the depth of their ideological and political alignment during that era.

Amid escalating military confrontations along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called for peaceful dialogue between the neighboring nations. Utilizing the social media platform X, the top diplomat emphasized that both countries should seek to resolve their differences “within the framework of good neighborliness and dialogue during the holy month of Ramadan.”

The Iranian official reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to resolving international disputes through diplomatic channels, positioning Iran as a potential mediator in the conflict. The Foreign Ministry expressed Tehran’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to facilitate dispute resolution between Kabul and Islamabad while encouraging strengthened bilateral cooperation.

This diplomatic intervention follows a significant deterioration in cross-border relations. The Afghan government confirmed the initiation of large-scale military operations against Pakistani military positions along their shared border just one day prior to Iran’s statement. This offensive was characterized as a direct response to earlier attacks conducted by Pakistani forces.

The current cycle of violence began when Islamabad reported conducting airstrikes on seven locations it identified as “terrorist camps” within Afghan border territory last Sunday. Pakistani authorities stated these bombings were retaliation for recent attacks occurring on its sovereign territory.

In response to these developments, Afghanistan’s government delivered a formal note of protest to the Pakistani ambassador stationed in Kabul. Afghan officials indicated they would formulate a measured response, promising to react “appropriately and thoughtfully” at a time of their choosing, suggesting further military or diplomatic actions may be forthcoming.

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Mauritian President Prithvirajsing Roopun, through a formal statement by an official representative, has reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast solidarity with Cuba amidst ongoing international pressures. The communication, delivered during an official ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, centered on the recent escalation of the United States’ long-standing embargo.

The discussion highlighted concerns over an executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which aimed to intensify the six-decade-old economic, commercial, and financial blockade. A key alarming facet of this order involved strategies to disrupt and block Cuba’s critical fuel supply chains, exacerbating the nation’s economic challenges.

Ambassador Pérez Mesa, representing Cuba, expressed profound confidence that the government of Port Louis would align with the broader international community in formally condemning these measures. The condemnation is rooted in the perspective that such unilateral sanctions constitute a clear violation of established International Law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The ambassador emphasized that these actions set a concerning precedent, posing a direct threat to the sovereignty of nations worldwide.

Beyond addressing these critical geopolitical issues, the meeting served as a platform to explore future collaboration. Both parties engaged in constructive dialogues to identify new potential areas of cooperation and to develop joint initiatives. This forward-looking conversation underscored a mutual and strong desire to further strengthen and deepen the diplomatic and economic ties between Mauritius and Cuba, using the milestone of their five-decade-long relationship as a springboard for enhanced future engagement.