Top Stories
Cuba strengthens socialist path with new constitution, says Raul Castro
Last Updated: 2019-04-11 14:56 | Xinhua
 Save  Print   E-mail

Cuba's new constitution, enacted on Wednesday by the National Assembly, will guarantee the continuation of a socialist system and adapt it to the country's economic and political reality, said Raul Castro, first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party.

The 229-article constitution, which replaces the 1976 one, "guarantees the continuity of the Revolution and the irrevocability of socialism as it maintains the unity of all Cubans and the independence and sovereignty of the nation," he said in a keynote speech.

Castro added that the law reflects the actual circumstances, historical changes and is a text that will lead the country to achieve a prosperous, inclusive and participatory socialism.

"This constitution is a legacy for new generations of Cubans," he noted.

Based on public opinion, a task force of the National Assembly drafted a new constitutional text in July last year, which was widely seen as part of the effort to modernize the government as well as the economy.

The updated law was ratified by over 6 million voters in a referendum on Feb. 24, and maintains the Communist Party as the leading political force in the Caribbean nation.

It brings about changes to the governing structure regarding the appointment of a prime minister and provincial governors, and stipulates that parliament must approve a new electoral law to reflect the restructuring of government in the coming months.

According to the new law, the country needs to choose a president, a new post separated from president of the Council of State, and the president must then appoint a prime minister and provincial governors.

Meanwhile, the new law recognizes property rights and free enterprise, including those of foreign investors as the island seeks to further open its market and develop the economy.

Within months, a series of laws will be amended in line with the new constitution.

Cuba's previous constitution was approved in 1976, adapted to a Cold War era scenario and a state-controlled economy with the former Soviet Union as the island's top trading partner.

In Wednesday's speech, Raul Castro, who stepped down as president of the Council of State in April 2018, said the country's economy faces a "complex domestic panorama" due to the hardening of the economic and political sanctions by the U.S. government.

"We need to be alert and aware that we face additional problems, and that the situation could worsen in a few months," the former president said, noting it's imperative to redouble efforts to increase domestic production,to save and increase efficiency.

Castro warned that the White House is currently the most alarming "threat" to regional peace, saying that Cuba does not fear it and the people have resolute determination to defend the country's sovereignty.

(Editor:王苏)

Share to 
0
Related Articles:
BACK TO TOP
  • Sports
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Formula One
  • Athletics
  • Others
  • Entertainment
  • Celebrity
  • Movie & TV
  • Music
  • Theater & Arts
  • Fashion
  • Beauty Pageant
Edition:
Link:    
About CE.cn | About the Economic Daily | Contact us
Copyright 2003-2024 China Economic Net. All right reserved
Cuba strengthens socialist path with new constitution, says Raul Castro
Source:Xinhua | 2019-04-11 14:56
Share to 
0