Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba “is living through the most difficult hours of this century, and we have the historic responsibility to save it.”
14ymedio/EFE, Havana, June 19, 2026 – Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denied on Thursday that the package of economic reforms recently approved on the Island is a response to pressure from the United States, asserting instead that it is a “sovereign” decision by his country.
“We are not doing this because of pressure from the Yankees, but because we have reached a moment of maturity and reflection,” Díaz-Canel emphasized in the speech that closed the extraordinary session of the National Assembly of People’s Power, where the measures were approved after receiving the green light from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba the day before.
Díaz-Canel maintained that “Cuba decides without any permission other than that of its people” and “sovereignly designs and proposes the changes it needs.”
Díaz-Canel maintained that “Cuba decides without any permission other than that of its people” and “sovereignly designs and proposes the changes it needs”
He also reiterated that his government is willing to discuss all possible issues with Washington “without hatred, but without fear,” adding that this willingness has been “historically proven.”
The president added that “Cuba is ready for a civilized and respectful relationship that benefits both peoples,” and said, “if they truly want to help the Cuban people, let them live.”
He also described the energy blockade and the latest U.S. sanctions against the island as a “barbaric, undeserved, and unbearable punishment,” worsened by what he called the United States’ “real, daily” financial persecution of his country.
On the same day, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that if the Cuban authorities make “smart decisions,” Washington could have “a much better relationship” with the Island.
Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba “is living through the most difficult hours of this century, and we have the historic responsibility to save it.” He also stressed that under the current circumstances, “it is time to change everything that needs to be changed in order to move forward.”
Regarding the package of measures, he said that “it had to be done anyway,” although he acknowledged that “it is not easy” because the changes will be implemented “under very complex conditions.”
Regarding the package of measures, he said that “it had to be done anyway,” although he acknowledged that “it is not easy” because the changes will be implemented “under very complex conditions”
The economic reforms first announced last Friday by Díaz-Canel include allowing “new actors” into the tourism sector, promoting foreign direct investment, and introducing changes intended to stimulate agriculture and foreign trade, while decentralizing decision-making in order to grant greater “autonomy” to state-owned enterprises and municipalities.
Since last January, the Trump administration of has imposed an oil blockade on the Island and has threatened to “take control” of Cuba to force economic and political changes. Cuba has responded that it will defend its sovereignty and has accused Washington of preparing a military action against it.
Translated by Regina Anavy
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