A dialogue characterized by reflection, questions and proposals regarding the documents approved during the 7th Party Congress (the Draft Conceptualization of the Cuban Economic and Social Model and the National Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030), marked the second and last session of the Federation of University Students (FEU) National Council, which saw the participation of Party Political Bureau member Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, also first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba.
An analysis of the texts included corrections to their format, style and syntax and revealed several issues such as the need to include specific concepts, clarify terminologies and clearly explain ideas, in order to make the documents more understandable and as such contribute to the future effective implementation of the transformations outlined in the texts.
For example, student leaders proposed the inclusion of a glossary of definitions such as what is meant by “fundamental means of production, property, property rights;” as well as clearly outlining activities which will no longer fall under state control, when for example an entity is referred to as being “removed from direct administration of certain activities to focus on its key functions.” (Chapter 1, point 131).
Also discussed during the meeting were ways to combat possible distortions which, in the future, the recognition of private property could inadvertently introduce into the country’s socio-economic model; and how to articulate private property to complement that of the state in order to ensure that it doesn’t enter into conflict with the principles of a socialist society.
Yenny S. García, a member of the organization, highlighted paragraph 115 of the Conceptualization document, regarding the development of cadre policy which, she noted, should include or clearly outline the training and support process for young people who have finished their studies and are set to enter into the workforce “because it is in this process where most potential leaders and cadres are lost, due to a lack of planned follow-up in the majority of cases.” Meanwhile, Josué Hernández Pozo suggested that paragraph 223 be reviewed, because even when the general comprehensive development of territories’ – on the basis of their own potential – is underway or has been achieved, it’s difficult to overcome key disparities among them as the paragraph highlights.
Díaz-Canel Bermúdez reflected on all these issues and emphasized the usefulness and contribution of these spaces of popular discussion; in particular the FEU National Council which he described as a demonstration of the level of responsibility and maturity reached by Cuban youth, thus reaffirming his confidence in the future potential of the country.
Also presented during the debate was the Special Edition of the magazine Verde Olivo, dedicated to Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro, in honor of his 90th birthday.
Likewise, outstanding individuals who have made an important contribution to the work of the organization were recognized, while the new members of the FEU National Secretariat were announced, during which the organization’s President, Jennifer Bello, was ratified in the position.
Also participating in the event were Olga Lidia Tapia, a member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat and Susely Morfa, UJC National Committee first secretary.