The senior official who led Cuba’s economy since 2018, Alejandro Gil Fernández, has been dismissed by President Miguel Díaz-Canel due to the failure of various recovery plans. The “Ordering Task” of 2021 was marked by an increase in inflation and a deepening crisis, leading to the largest migratory exodus in Cuba’s history. Gil Fernández’s sister, popular Cuban presenter María Victoria Gil, referred to her brother as the “most hated person in Cuba.”
It is reported that Gil Fernández’s management as Minister of Economy saw an economic deterioration, with a fiscal deficit much higher than the previous decade. He leaves the position with the country in a worse state than when he took office in 2018. Economic experts and analysts question his achievements, including the failed monetary reform in 2021 and the lack of effectiveness in economic policy design.
The dismissal of Gil Fernández comes amid internal discrepancies within the government and a need for a facelift after numerous economic failures. However, it is noted that a single person cannot solely be responsible for the economic crisis facing Cuba. Other officials have also been removed from their positions, suggesting larger shifts within the Cuban government.
Gil Fernández’s dismissal has sparked speculation and debate over the motives behind it, with some believing it is an attempt by the government to shift blame and create a new image. His sister has also expressed disappointment in the dismissal, claiming that Gil Fernández was a hardworking official who tried to save the unsalvageable.
As Cuba faces economic challenges and transitions, the dismissal of Gil Fernández reflects larger issues within the country’s economic management. The impact of his departure on future economic policies and reforms remains to be seen.