Cuban Political System, Economics, and Social Structure Notes

Overview of Cuba's Political Framework
Defined as a socialist state by the Constitution of 1976.
Guided by the principles of José Martí, and influenced by Marx, Engels, and Lenin.
The Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) is recognized as the leading force of society and state, similar to the role of the Party in China.

Council of State
Composed of 31 members, it is elected by the National Assembly of People’s Power.
Holds legislative power during National Assembly recess.
Appoints judges and oversees the court system; runs the government daily.
The president is chosen by the National Assembly and acts as both head of state and government.
Council of Ministers
Handles executive functions and foreign policy.
Comprises the President, Vice Presidents, heads of national ministries, and other appointed members.
Responsible for implementing policies and directing economic and social development.
National Assembly of People’s Power
Cuba's legislative body; operates as a unicameral assembly with 614 members.
Elects its representatives from local electoral districts for five-year terms.
Typically functions as a rubber-stamp body, with most decisions made by the Council of State.
Meets twice a year for sessions that may be public or closed.

Election Process and Structure
The CPC, by mandate, rules the country; candidates for elections are nominated at local levels but ultimately decided by the Party.
The leadership structure includes a National Congress that sets broad policy goals and elects the Central Committee for ongoing governance.
The Politburo, elected from the Central Committee, exercises real decision-making power.
Role of Labor Unions
Integral to the government structure with a direct line to the Politburo.
The National Confederation of Cuban Workers can initiate laws, reflecting the intertwining of unions, the government, and the CPC.

Economic Challenges
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union significantly impacted Cuba, leading to a severe economic contraction of over 35%.
The reintroduction of rationing logistics due to economic downturn; reliance on the Libreta de Abastecimiento for food distribution.
Free Market Adjustments
Under Raul and Diaz Canel, Cuba has seen a reopening of private markets for agriculture and services, allowing private entrepreneurship with governmental oversight.
Legalization of the dollar and remittance flow into Cuba have varying impacts on the economy, creating issues of inequality.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Active campaigns to attract FDI since the Soviet Union's collapse, primarily through joint ventures.
Significant focus on tourism, yet limited due to the U.S. embargo.

Healthcare System
A fully state-run system with no private hospitals, focusing on providing free healthcare for citizens.
Cuba has sent medical assistance abroad during crises, but faces internal challenges and crises in public health.
Education System
Nationalized educational institutions ensure free education at all levels since 1961; no private education is allowed.
Achieved high literacy rates post-revolution (approximately 99.7%).

Despite ongoing crises and social challenges, the CPC's grip on power appears strong.
Economic hardships prompt questions about potential foreign support, notably from China, and implications for U.S. relations.