Popular participation is the essence of political power in Cuba, where citizens have an active role in building an inclusive and democratic future for all.
By Marlen Carrasco Barrientos, translated from the Spanish
Fidel Castro always believed in the ability of the people to change what needed to be changed. This reflected in his own words: "I have always had confidence in our people and today I can say that I have more confidence than ever, in Cuba and everywhere."
When asked who is leading the way in building Cuba's future, it is the citizens themselves who give the answer and set the guidelines to be followed.
Since the triumph of the Revolution led by Fidel in 1959, power passed into the hands of the popular masses, which marked a historic milestone on the island. Today, collaboration between citizens and local authorities is a tangible reality through assemblies and popular consultations, where opinions and proposals to improve Cuban society are discussed.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and other authorities insist on the importance of listening to the people and promoting cooperation as a way to achieve the aspirations of all Cubans. A socialist, free, independent and sovereign country, faithful to its history and defending its cultural identity, with balanced and sustainable development, popular democracy and a fair distribution of wealth.
At the local level, citizen participation becomes even more relevant in the transformation of neighborhoods, where inhabitants are participants in the planning and execution of projects for change. Training and entrepreneurship programs have also been implemented to generate jobs and improve the quality of life, while the construction of recreational spaces has contributed to improving community coexistence.
Popular participation is the essence of political power in Cuba, where citizens have an active role in building an inclusive and democratic future for all.
The people are the main actors, working and not accepting limits, because together barriers are broken and the impossible is overcome.
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