Cuba’s plan to open its economy: a turning point?
Since the energy blockade imposed by the US at the start of the year, Cuba's already struggling economy has been plunged into crisis. In a bid to ease the situation, the leadership in Havana has presented a 176-point plan to open up the economy, modelled on state capitalism as practised in China and Vietnam. Europe's press takes stock.
Standing firm vis-à-vis the US
The Kremlin-aligned news website Vzglyad hopes Cuba will hold firm:
“The Cuban leaders remain true to their ideological convictions, but they can by no means be described as rigid dogmatists. ... Market reforms are necessary for the country to buy time and gather strength to overcome the fuel blockade and prepare for a possible military invasion by the US. ... Cuba remains true to itself. ... And this gives cause for hope that it will stand firm in the confrontation with the imperialist hegemonic power, which has just received such a resounding slap in the face in the Middle East.”
Success like that of role models, or the same fate as Haiti
Diena comments:
“Havana is looking to China and Vietnam. Both countries have successfully integrated themselves into the global markets and achieved impressive economic growth while their Communist Parties retain power. ... But Cuba doesn't have the same labour force or foreign economic interests as the Asian countries did at the start of their reforms. It is struggling with an outdated infrastructure, US sanctions and massive labour emigration. ... If those in power manage to retain control over the transition, a form of 'socialist capitalism' (albeit less successful) is certainly conceivable. If, on the other hand, they lose control, a wide range of scenarios are possible – from Western-style democracy to a fate similar to that of Haiti.”
Demonised market economy as a lifeline
LRT comments:
“It's noteworthy that many Cubans first heard that reforms were being introduced through rumours. Once again, there have been a power outage and their televisions weren't working – the very medium that is supposed to provide information about the reform plan now unanimously adopted by parliament, which foresees greater scope for private initiatives, investment and market-based mechanisms. What was demonised for decades as bourgeois exploitation is now being hailed as a lifeline – to save socialism from poverty and hunger.”