MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Cubans must prepare for “realistic” brand of communism

Pte. Raul Castro

President Raul Castro warned Cubans on Friday to prepare for a “realistic” brand of communism that is economically viable and does away with excessive state subsidies designed to promote equality on the island.

Addressing Cuba's parliament in its first session since he was selected to succeed his older brother Fidel in February, Raul Castro announced no major reforms, but suggested that global economic turbulence could lead to further belt-tightening on the island. "Socialism means social justice and equality, but equality of rights, of opportunities, not of income" the 77-year-old president said in a speech that was taped and later aired on national television. "Equality is not egalitarianism." Since succeeding his brother, Raul Castro has authorized Cubans to legally purchase computers, stay in luxury hotels and obtain cell phones in their own names. His government has raised some salaries and done away with wage limits, allowing state workers to earn more for better performance. Cuba's rubber-stamp parliament convenes for only a few hours twice a year and there were expectations that Friday's session would see an easing of restrictions on travel abroad or a strengthening of wages by increasing the value of the peso. The government controls well over 90% of the economy and the average salary is just 408 pesos per month, 19.50 US dollars, though most Cubans get free housing, health care, education and ration cards that cover basic food needs. Castro said that in "the matter of salaries, we'd all like to go faster, but it's necessary for us to act with realism". "The situation could even get worse" he said of the global economy. "We will continue to do what's within our reach so that a series of adversities have less effect on our people, but some impact is inevitable in certain products and sectors". Economy Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez said this week that skyrocketing global food and oil prices would cause "inevitable adjustments and restrictions" for Cuba's economy. Earlier this week a parliament hearing focused on disorganization and theft plaguing the state-run industry and its failure to meet apartment building plans or conclude larger projects on schedule and within budget. "We are strengthening the role of local contractors, decentralizing the administration and day to day operations of construction projects" the Communist Party newspaper Granma, reporting on Wednesday's hearing, quoted Construction Minister Fidel Figueroa as stating. After years of crisis and strengthened by allies Venezuela and China, Cuba launched a major effort three years ago to solve a chronic housing shortage and repair crumbling buildings. However, goals were not met and had to be scaled back, but the industry is still falling short, Granma reported, blaming theft of materials and poor organization. Vice-President Carlos Lage announced housing plans would be drawn up at the local level beginning in 2009. "The local authorities must say what they prefer to do with the resources assigned them, be it finishing new apartments or prioritizing the repair of others, because it is at the municipal level that authorities know best an area's urgent needs," he was quoted as saying.