ZCZC
BCN-07
CUBA-POLITICS-ECONOMY-CONSTITUTION
Cuba to amend constitution to extend economic reforms
HAVANA, May 29, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Cuba will seek to amend its constitution
to further open up the economy but without modifying the “irrevocable
character of socialism,” authorities there said Monday.
Former president Raul Castro, who stepped down last month, introduced
reforms in 2011 to open the top-heavy, centralized economy to small private
businesses and foreign investment.
The changes resulted in a burst of activity in the first years, as Cubans
opened restaurants and other small service-oriented businesses.
But the changes did not unleash the hoped-for economic takeoff.
A special commission will be formed during an extraordinary session of
parliament on Saturday to present the constitutional changes, which deputies
will discuss before putting them to a referendum.
The details of the proposed changes were not revealed, but they are
expected to continue the reforms launched by Raul Castro, who transformed the
Cuba he inherited from brother Fidel in 2006.
The changes will also provide a legal underpinning for those already made.
When Raul Castro handed over the presidency on April 19 to Miguel Diaz-
Canel, a 58-year-old civilian, he underlined that his reforms “are not
intended to modify the irrevocable character of socialism” in Cuba.
Castro is slated to remain as secretary general of the island’s Communist
Party until 2021.
Cuba’s constitution has been updated three times since it was promulgated
in 1976.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1145 hrs