Cuba’s assembly set to vote on economic overhaul as sanctions bite
Why it matters: The package could widen private investment and shrink the state as blackouts, inflation and shortages deepen.
Cuba’s National Assembly is due to vote Thursday on a broad economic reform package that leaders cast as urgent as U.S. sanctions intensify pressure on the island. President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the Communist Party politburo the measures are needed to boost output and cut restrictions, while officials have described them as consistent with Cuba’s socialist system. The government has not released key details on timing or implementation, though proposals include opening more sectors to private investment, liberalizing agriculture, drawing capital from Cubans abroad and reducing the state’s role. Former leader Raul Castro backed the plan in a letter presented to the politburo. The push comes as Cuba faces prolonged blackouts, high inflation and shortages of fuel, water and medicine.