The transformation of Cuba’s science, technology and innovation system and the search for funding for the sector will be the focus of today’s debates in the National Assembly of People’s Power, prior to the 4th Ordinary Session of the 10th Legislature.

On this second day, the more than 400 deputies will also address other issues such as the country’s electro-energy situation, as well as the actions and investments being carried out for the construction of photovoltaic solar parks.

In addition, the Caribbean nation’s Ministry of Energy and Mines will report on the recovery from the damage caused by hurricanes Oscar and Rafael, as well as by the earthquake of 10 November that affected the east of the country.

The fulfilment of the housing programme in 2024 and the projections for next year will also be announced.

The governors of the provinces of Pinar el Río, La Habana, Matanzas, Camagüey and Holguín will also be accountable.

During the first day of the National Assembly of People’s Power, the deputies debated the preliminary draft of Cuba’s budget for 2025 and the economic plan foreseen for that stage, which will be focused on achieving the projected growth or exceeding it, for which it will be necessary to advance in the recovery of the national electro-energy system, improve the fuel balance and increase agricultural production.

It is also planned to make progress in manufacturing and services, to improve the performance of the business system, and to implement 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 is foreseen, 63 per cent of which will go to the prioritised sectors, and the main allocations will be concentrated on programmes for food production, the modernisation of Antillana de Acero and Renewable Energy Sources.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel participated in the joint session of the committees on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Attention to Youth, Children and Equal Rights for Women, and Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Environment.

At the same time, in the Health and Sports Commission, they discussed the situation of the Family Doctor and Nurse Programme, as well as the situation of the arrival of medicines to the national pharmacy network.

The National Assembly of People’s Power is the supreme organ of power of the Cuban state, and the only one with constitutional and legislative capacity; its current legislature is made up of 470 deputies.

The Fourth Ordinary Period of Sessions of the Parliament, in its 10th Legislature, will be held from 18 to 20 December, also at the Havana Convention Palace.