Prime Minister Manuel Marrero affirmed today that despite external pressures and internal challenges, Cuba maintains its commitment to social justice, sovereignty, and the unity of its people.

Presenting the results of the government program to correct distortions and re-energize the economy before the National Assembly, Marrero highlighted that the defense of the homeland, the protection of the population, and national security constitute strategic priorities of the Cuban state.

In this regard, he stressed the crucial role of the combatants from the Ministries of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Interior (Minint). In close coordination with the Party, the Government, and mass organizations, they have intensified their preparations in the face of the worsening regional situation.

Regarding the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, he noted that the decision was made to postpone the Baraguá Exercise, though the activation of the National Defense Council and its territorial structures was maintained. This allowed for a cohesive state response with the direct participation of the people.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the Meteoro 2025 Exercise was successfully carried out. Its results necessitate the adjustment of response plans for extreme weather events. The IV National Cybersecurity Day was also held, focused on the safe use of technologies in the digital transformation.

Marrero reported that the resizing of the central government structure is progressing, with the aim of reducing the number of agencies within the Central State Administration.

In the health sector, he stated that despite actions taken, the infant mortality rate has deteriorated, reaching 9.8 per thousand live births. In the same period last year, a rate of 7.0 was achieved.

In the area of education, the implementation of the Program to Elevate the Quality of the Teaching Process continues, including a comprehensive reorganization of the school network in coordination with local territories.

The Prime Minister indicated that one of the nation's greatest challenges is its demographic dynamic. It is projected that Cuba will end 2025 with 9.6 million inhabitants, a figure that will decline to 7.7 million by 2050.

The aging population will increase from 25.7 percent to 36.4 percent, and the working-age population will decrease from 5.9 million to 4.1 million.

Facing this outlook, Marrero insisted that demography must be "an indispensable tool for planning and decision-making."

He also highlighted the insufficiency of the Housing Program, affected by low local production of materials, deficits in cement and steel, and the need to accelerate construction using maritime containers as a viable alternative.

The head of government confirmed the continuity of salary measures in health and education, as well as the redistribution of unexecuted wage funds in budgetary units as recognition for work performance.

Additionally, adjustments were implemented that raised pensions to up to four thousand pesos, benefiting 88 percent of pensioners.