Cuban Ex-Minister Under Scrutiny for Economic Missteps

HAVANA – In a move that has shaken the core of Cuba’s Communist Party, Alejandro Gil, the recently dismissed Economy Minister, is now under investigation for “grave errors” committed during his tenure.

Gil, sacked in February by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, is particularly remembered for leading the country’s 2021 monetary reform. This initiative, widely viewed as a failure, has been blamed for worsening Cuba’s economic woes.

On Thursday, both a state-run television broadcast and the digital news outlet CubaDebate announced a “rigorous investigation” into Gil’s performance. The reports vaguely accused him of “serious errors” without elaborating on the specifics of the allegations.

Cuban authorities, through state media pronouncements, emphasized their commitment to rooting out corruption and inefficiency. “The leadership of our Party and government will never tolerate the spread of corruption, pretense, and indifference,” the statement declared.

Gil has yet to publicly respond to the investigation or the accusations. However, state media reported that he has accepted these charges and stepped down from his positions within the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the National Assembly.

Gil’s downfall comes on the heels of his proposal to raise prices for government-subsidized goods, including essential items like gasoline and cooking gas. This unpopular measure further strained public patience amidst Cuba’s ongoing struggles with inflation and shortages.