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(afp) With a profound constitutional reform, Cuba wants to continue to open the market economy and strengthen the rights of its citizens. The Havana Parliament began deliberating on a new constitution that would legalize private property and, among other things, pave the way for same-sex marriage. The goal of creating a "communist society" is removed in the new constitution, which will be voted by Monday at the latest.
State Council Secretary Homero Acosta said that the "Cuban socialist model" remains in principle preserved with the leader Role of the Communist Party and the state economy, but it took the changes. Society and the economy have changed, and this must also be reflected in the Constitution, said Acosta in Parliament alongside President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
This had drafted the Constitution with his predecessor Raúl Castro, who was the first Secretary of the Communist Party continues to hold great power. Castro had successively opened the country to the market economy as a successor to his decades-old brother, Fidel Castro, since 2008, allowing private ownership and foreign investment. The Constitution is now intended to continue this process.
There are currently about 591,000 people working in the private sector in the Caribbean island state, accounting for 13% of economic output. Acosta said that the role of the market can not be "ignored" and that private property is now a reality of Cuba's "economic and social model". Small and medium-sized enterprises should be legally recognized, but the "ability of the state to control and control" the economy must be preserved, he warned.
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Cuba: Hot flirt with capitalism
Recognition of private property
The previous constitution dates from 1976 and mentions in Article 5 the creation of a "Communist society" as a goal. This wording is now deleted. With the recognition of private property, the new constitution meant an "internal ideological overture," said Cuban political analyst Arturo López-Levy. In the future, the Cuban economy will be a "mixed economy".
The reform also provides for the future division of powers between the president and the head of government. To this end, the post of Prime Minister, which was canceled in 1976, was reintroduced. The president's term of office is also limited to two five-year terms; candidates must not be over 60 years old. Fidel and Raúl Castro were both over 80 when they abandoned power
Homosexuals Equal
The New Constitution also paves the way for same-sex marriage and promotes equality for homosexuals and lesbians. lesbians. Article 68 of the draft Constitution defines marriage as a "voluntary alliance between two persons". The sex of the participants is not determined, said Costa. Until now, marriage has been defined as a "voluntary bond between a man and a woman".
Journalist Francisco Rodríguez called the design "open door" to the introduction of same-sex marriage. The fact that the text also includes the principle of non-discrimination based on sexual orientation makes it possible to include in the legal system the equal rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders ( LGBT).
Sexual minorities have long been stigmatized, Homosexuals were often placed in so-called reeducation camps and systematically kept out of the public service. Raúl Castro's daughter, Mariela Castro, has long advocated for LGBT rights. The parliament must vote now until Monday on the 224 articles of the new constitution. Subsequently, the text should be submitted to citizens in a referendum for the vote. The Communist Party has already approved the reform.
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