The Sixth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People's Power, held on December 18, 2025, in Havana, approved the economic plan, budget, and a government program to correct distortions amid a structural crisis worsened by the US blockade. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stressed the need for structural and mental transformations to overcome challenges, as ministers reported failures in tourism, sugar, and energy sectors. A modest 1% GDP growth is projected for 2026, despite prior contractions.
The National Assembly session, concluding on December 18, 2025, addressed Cuba's complex economic situation, acknowledging an 11% GDP contraction since 2020 and a decline in 2025. Economy Minister Joaquín Alonso forecasted 1% growth for 2026, matching the unmet 2025 target, under a 'war economy' with rising tensions. The fiscal deficit is estimated at 74.5 billion Cuban pesos (3.1 billion dollars), near 10% of GDP.
Exports are projected at 9.969 billion dollars, driven by services, but tourism missed targets by 25%, reaching only 917.4 million dollars and 1.9 million visitors—the worst since 2003 excluding the pandemic. The sugar industry produced just 42.5% of planned output, with 150,000 tons, less than half the previous year.
In energy, 1.15 billion dollars were invested, recovering 422 MW of distributed generation and 228 MW thermal, with 41 photovoltaic parks covering 30% of demand at daytime peaks, though deficits up to 2,000 MW persist, leaving over two-thirds of the island without power. Infant mortality rose to 9.8 per 1,000 live births, the highest in recent years.
In his closing speech, Díaz-Canel denounced US aggressions, including against Venezuela, and the blockade intensifying inflation and eroding purchasing power. He approved the Science, Technology, and Innovation Law for technological sovereignty and called to prioritize food production, renewables, and state efficiency. The Ninth Party Congress was postponed to focus on recovery, and 2026 will be named the Year of Fidel Castro Ruz's Centennial.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero admitted impacts from diseases like dengue, with 52 deaths, and an incomplete housing plan (5,750 units, 53.3% of target), including criticized container homes due to heat. The effective population fell to 9.6 million, projecting 7.7 million by 2050.
"We are making history every day, right now," Díaz-Canel stated, urging creativity and control to defend sovereignty and social justice.
