Cuban National Assembly Debates on Social and Economic Policy Conclude

Among the topics for the Saturday session are the draft Budget and Economy Plans for 2011

The sixth period of sessions of the seventh Legislature of the Cuban National Assembly concluded with an extensive analysis of the second part of the draft document on Guidelines on Social and Economic Policy.
Cuban President Raul Castro presided over the meeting where Minister of the Economy Marino Murillo read and commented in detail on the 163 guidelines contained in chapters 6 to 12. The preceding 128 guidelines were analyzed during Friday’s session.
Following his presentation, more than 30 Members of Parliament gave their opinions on different issues, and Murillo answered questions from MPs, ministers and other state and government officials on matters that are crucial for the economic future of the country, as well as strategies for its implementation. The debate substantially enriched the draft guidelines.
The exchange concluded with a speech by President of the National Assembly Ricardo Alarcon on the political importance of these times for the country and the need to create awareness and education among the population so that they are prepared to meet these challenges.
Alarcon also made reference to the inspiring example of the Cuban Five, five men who for over 12 years have been serving lengthy sentences in the United States for fighting Miami-base terrorism against Cuba. “One of them,” said Alarcon, “Ramon Labañino, is studying economics in his cell. This shows that overcoming difficulties is possible with willpower.” “And with a people as brave as the Cuban people,” added Raul Castro.
On behalf of the MPs, Raul Castro congratulated Minister Murillo for his work over the last few days at the assembly.
Also during the session, the nominations of the lay judges for the Supreme Court were presented. The elected judges will serve a five year term. This legal body is made up of more than 270 representatives from working and rural sectors, the army, and the Ministry of the Interior.
The MPs passed and voted on the nominations made by the Candidacy Commission. The election results will be announced on Saturday at the assembly.
Among the topics for the Saturday session are the draft Budget and Economy Plans for 2011. A summary of the session will be broadcasted at 6:00 p.m.