Deputies to the Fourth Ordinary Period of Sessions of the Cuban National Assembly of People’s Power (parliament) begin plenary debates today, after two days of discussions in permanent commissions.

Convened from 18 to 20 December, parliamentarians will address issues of impact for the Caribbean nation such as the plan and budget of the economy for 2025, and the status of compliance with agreements adopted in previous periods.

During the analyses in permanent commissions, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Joaquín Alonso, said that the economic plan foreseen for this stage will be focused on achieving the projected growth or exceeding it, and for this it will be necessary to advance in the recovery of the national electro-energy system, improve the fuel balance and increase agricultural and livestock production.

They also foresee strengthening the manufacturing industry and services, achieving a better performance of the business system, as well as carrying out the approved transformations and measures, in order to maximise their positive and multiplier effects for the rest of the economy.

To this end, a total budget of 148.37 billion pesos (one dollar is equivalent to 24 pesos at the official exchange rate) is planned, 63 per cent of which will go to the prioritised sectors, with the main focus on programmes for food production, the modernisation of Antillana de Acero and renewable energy sources.

The deputies will also evaluate the highest oversight of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources and the transformation of the science, technology and innovation system in government management, as well as the care system, and the process of accountability of the delegate to his or her constituents.

In this regard, the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) of the Caribbean nation, Armando Rodríguez, pointed out that the sector is focused on increasing foreign exchange earnings from the export of goods and services, as well as the energy reconversion of Cuba.

For his part, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O, addressed the government’s programme for the recovery of the National Electro-energy System in the shortest possible time, achieving accelerated growth and sustainability to meet the demand of the economy and the population.

All with a focus on energy transition and sovereignty, and efficient and rational use of energy, he said.

He placed special emphasis on the project to install 120 MW in photovoltaic solar parks, the process of acquiring 30,000 solar home systems, as well as the steps to implement the minimum scheme for the Herradura 1 wind farm, located in the eastern province of Holguín.

He stressed the importance of the start of the recovery of the four tanks at the Matanzas Supertanker Base, due to the need for fuel storage.