Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban President, has decided to make some significant changes to his cabinet. Among the most pivotal dismissals was Alejandro Gil’s. Gil had been Cuba’s economic minister and planned to raise gasoline and transportation prices in an attempt to stimulate the declining economy. However, these price raises were delayed on the account of a cyberattack that stifled the government’s ability to implement the new prices. Civilians, who opposed Gil’s ideas, were relieved. The new rates would have greatly intensified the already severe economic strain upon them. The decisions of the President and the concerns of the people demonstrate the country’s struggle to balance economic growth with social welfare and security.
The shifts that the President chose to make in his cabinet prove that Cuba is headed in a different direction in regards to its economy. In order to become economically stable, after facing severe decline and the resulting resource shortages, they will need to reassess their methods. Díaz-Canel noticed the controversy surrounding Gil’s lack of consideration for the Cuban public and acted to assuage the people’s concerns. He likely thinks that a new official would cater toward the public and promote social welfare. However, this could have negative consequences for the already poor economy should the new minister appeal too much to public opinion.
In class, we have discussed the various types of security threats. Though many of those involve external parties, there are domestic threats to security as well. In this scenario, the Cuban President responds to the declining economy and the disapproval of the people by removing Gil from office and recruiting a new economic minister. This action will hopefully improve the country’s economic situation, which was threatening in itself, and appeal to the citizens, who were growing upset with their government.