Cuba’s Old Economic Model Is ‘Exhausted’
A top Havana diplomat says the country is changing. But will it be enough to satisfy President Trump?
TL;DR
- Cuba's Soviet-influenced economic model is 'exhausted' and needs to change.
- Havana is open to transformation and partnership with Washington.
- The Trump administration's economic pressure, sanctions, and fuel restrictions are creating shortages and blackouts in Cuba.
- The U.S. demands fundamental political changes, while Cuba insists its political system is nonnegotiable.
- Cuba is pursuing its own economic reforms, including measures to expand private business and foreign investment.
- Cuban officials accuse Washington of seeking to force political change and of waging an 'unrelenting war' on the Cuban economy.
- Removing U.S. restrictions on travel and business in Cuba is proposed as a way to improve relations.