Cuba Faces Imminent Disaster as System Remains Rigid, According to Analysis
HAVANA - Cuba is spiraling towards economic and political ruin due to a deeply entrenched, inflexible system resistant to reform, a recent analysis suggests. Despite widespread hardship and a yearning for change among the population, the ruling Communist Party remains staunchly opposed to opening up the economy or loosening its grip on power, mirroring a situation were “they’re still too paranoid to open up,” according to Cuban economist mauricio Herrero.
The report highlights a lack of internal reformers akin to mikhail Gorbachev,who attempted systemic changes in the Soviet Union. Attempts at modernization have historically been stifled, with proponents often marginalized – a practice locals wryly refer to as the “Pajama Plan.” Raúl Castro, 94, continues to exert influence, firmly opposing any dilution of the Marxism-Leninism enshrined in the Cuban Constitution. His successor, President Miguel Díaz-Canel, 65, is described as a largely ineffectual figure.
Opposition remains fragmented and suppressed. While state-controlled media offers no dissent, the government closely monitors and frequently enough imprisons bloggers and online activists who gain prominence. The 2021 protests, the most critically important in recent memory, were swiftly and brutally suppressed, resulting in the imprisonment of at least 1,196 activists, according to a Miami-based human rights observatory.
The prospect of change from abroad is also uncertain. While some Cuban americans advocate for increased engagement with Cuba, their voices have lacked consistent representation in Washington.A shift in perspective from a younger generation, recognizing the failure of over half a century of isolation, could potentially alter the U.S. approach.
Though, the current outlook remains bleak.”This system is so broken that it can’t be fixed,” stated a 52-year-old taxi driver,reflecting a widespread sentiment of exhaustion and desperation.Many Cubans are seeking opportunities elsewhere, though familial obligations often prevent emigration. The analysis concludes that without fundamental systemic change, Cuba faces continued decline and potential collapse.
