The hard work done to collect the population’s opinions was recognized and congratulations extended to those who participated in organization of the consultation process, including the duos who guided the more than 133,000 assemblies held across the country; those responsible for compiling the opinions; and in particular, the commission charged by the National Assembly with drafting the proposed Constitution.

Raúlstated that the report on opinions expressed by all sectors of society serves as a valuable working document, which should be preserved and further utilized, adding that the population’s approach to the assemblies was impressive, arriving well prepared and offering ideas to enrich the debate.

Homero Acosta Álvarez, Council of State secretary, presented a detailed report on fundamental aspects of the popular consultation and the latest version of the draft Constitution.

He commented that, throughout the process, the democratic nature of the consultation was praised, and satisfaction expressed that importance was given to the population’s opinions. He emphasized the people’s active participation, reiterating that the consultation had been a veritable constituent process.

More than 8.9 million persons attended the meetings, during which 1.7 million commentaries were made. He reported that all of the opinions expressed had been carefully analyzed and had a significant impact on the new draft.

Members of the Councils of State and Ministers participated as guests in the meeting, as well.

(Granma)

He said that the leadership body’s commissions had analyzed questions related to the implementation of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution, as well as the central economic and social issues facing the country

Later Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, minister of Economy and Planning presented a report on the economy’s performance in 2017, as well as the proposed Economic Plan and State Budget for next year.

Likewise, Marino Murillo Jorge, head of the Permanent Policy Implementation and Development Commission informed the Central Committee of progress being made on approved Guidelines.

These final points discussed by the body will be presented today to deputies in the National Assembly of People’s Power, meeting in the 10th Period of Ordinary Sessions of the current legislature.

Before the gathering concluded, Raúl indicated that, next March, another plenum of the Central Committee will be held to further analyze progress in the implementation of Guidelines, and consider strategic projections for the coming years.

He insisted on the need to give more attention to addressing the housing situation in the country, noting that a broader program to do so is being developed. To be included are the use of a variety of construction technologies and strengthening of local production of materials, along with those produced nationally, in a effort to develop more comprehensive and timely solutions to this problem.

After analyzing all the proposals emanating from this process, and having held meetings between Central Committee members and National Assembly of People’s Power deputies in each of the island’s provinces, the Third Plenum approved the final drafts of the Conceptualization of the Cuban Economic and Social Model of Socialist Development; the National Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030: The Nation’s Vision, Priorities and Strategic Sectors; as well as modifications made to the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution.

It was reiterated that the Conceptualization of the Cuban Economic and Social Model is based on the transformations that are required to advance the development of the country and consolidate the socialist revolution. This is not conceived of as a static instrument, but as a dynamic and perfectible model, in constant interaction with practice.

The fundamental elements of the National Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030 include the guiding principles for its elaboration, with a long-term approach to allow for the gradual productive transformation of the country.

Meanwhile, the 274 Guidelines outline the key areas of work to continue the process of updating the Cuban economic and social model.

The Third Central Committee Plenum also agreed to submit the Conceptualization and the Guidelines to the National Assembly of People’s Power, as well as to inform deputies regarding the drafting process of the Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030.

(Granma)