Castro backs Cuba reforms amid crippling US blockade

Cuba's ex-president Raul Castro has backed liberal reforms aimed at reviving the collapsing economy amid a crippling US blockade. The Cuban government announced fast-track reforms to open more sectors to private investment, attract capital from Cubans abroad, and shrink the state. President Miguel Diaz-Canel presented the measures as the most substantial in years. The Communist Party's politburo held an extraordinary plenary to discuss the proposals. Castro, seen as the power behind the throne, supported the proposals as 'the most beneficial to the revolution at this time.' The US oil blockade imposed by President Donald Trump in January has brought Cuba's economy to the brink of collapse, with power cuts over 30 hours and shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine. The government is in negotiations with Washington. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero assured that reforms do not imply relinquishing state social responsibility. Private businesses authorized in 2021 have become increasingly important. Diaz-Canel said Cubans will be granted same conditions as foreign investors. The government also plans to cut back the state by reducing ministries and public servants.

Cuba's ex-president Raul Castro has backed liberal reforms aimed at reviving the collapsing economy amid a crippling US blockade. The Cuban government announced fast-track reforms to open more sectors to private investment, attract capital from Cubans abroad, and shrink the state. President Miguel Diaz-Canel presented the measures as the most substantial in years. The Communist Party's politburo held an extraordinary plenary to discuss the proposals. Castro, seen as the power behind the throne, supported the proposals as 'the most beneficial to the revolution at this time.' The US oil blockade imposed by President Donald Trump in January has brought Cuba's economy to the brink of collapse, with power cuts over 30 hours and shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine. The government is in negotiations with Washington. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero assured that reforms do not imply relinquishing state social responsibility. Private businesses authorized in 2021 have become increasingly important. Diaz-Canel said Cubans will be granted same conditions as foreign investors. The government also plans to cut back the state by reducing ministries and public servants.

Cuba's ex-president Raul Castro has backed liberal reforms aimed at reviving the collapsing economy amid a crippling US blockade. The Cuban government announced fast-track reforms to open more sectors to private investment, attract capital from Cubans abroad, and shrink the state. President Miguel Diaz-Canel presented the measures as the most substantial in years. The Communist Party's politburo held an extraordinary plenary to discuss the proposals. Castro, seen as the power behind the throne, supported the proposals as 'the most beneficial to the revolution at this time.' The US oil blockade imposed by President Donald Trump in January has brought Cuba's economy to the brink of collapse, with power cuts over 30 hours and shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine. The government is in negotiations with Washington. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero assured that reforms do not imply relinquishing state social responsibility. Private businesses authorized in 2021 have become increasingly important. Diaz-Canel said Cubans will be granted same conditions as foreign investors. The government also plans to cut back the state by reducing ministries and public servants.

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