Cuban legislature adopts new constitution

July 23, 2018 - 11:23

Cuba's National Assembly on Sunday adopted a new constitution that would recognise market economics yet keep the Communist Party firmly in control of the economy and the ship of state.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attends the National Assembly’s session to present the new Council of Ministers and discuss the draft of 224 articles prepared by a parliamentary committee, at Havana’s Convention Palace on Saturday. — AFP/VNA Photo
Viet Nam News

HAVANA — Cuba’s National Assembly on Sunday adopted a new constitution that would recognise market economics yet keep the Communist Party firmly in control of the economy and the ship of state.

It will be voted on in a national referendum later this year.

"After it’s put to discussion and voted on, Cubans will be more united in their defence of the revolution," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel, wrapping up the two-day session.

The president underscored that "every Cuban can freely express his or her opinions... on a constitutional text reflecting the present and future of the nation".

On the economic front, Cubans are reassured that "property is socialist and belongs to all people, while the economy is state-led".

Cuba has been under a US embargo for over four decades.

So Havana is keen to get new partners to take a chance on investing in the Caribbean nation of 11 million, even though it staunchly opposes too much concentration of wealth in too few hands domestically.

The constitution recognises private property and the market economy, as well as encourages foreign investments. — AFP

 

 

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