New Constitution approved by Cuban Parliament
HAVANA – The presentation of the new Council of Ministers was important. Also of special interest to the millions listening and watching was the 2018 State budget. But what truly kept the Cuban people riveted to their radios and TVs during the Parliament’s IX Legislature was the presentation of the new Constitution and what surprises it held.
As reported by Progreso Semanal in the Cuban capital, and media from around the world, approved during the session was “a draft of a new Constitution that would seek to modernize the nation by recognizing the right to own private property and opening the door to the possible legalization of same-sex marriage, among other economic, political and social changes.”
Homero Acosta, the secretary of Cuba’s council of state, spoke of the five-year endeavor and said that the execution, study and discussion of the currently proposed text is the first of its kind in Cuba, as well as the rest of the world. Referenced, he said, were countries from Latin American, as well as European constitutions, and those of China and Vietnam.
The new Constitution contains 224 articles, 87 more than the previous one, and includes important changes in the Councils of State and Ministers, as well as in the National Assembly of People’s Power (Parliament).
Clearly stated in the document, said Acosta, is the lead role of the Communist Party, as well as socialism’s irrevocability.
This past week The New York Times reported:
The document would also encourage foreign investment and strengthen the judicial system, including recognizing the presumption of innocence.
The draft Constitution would significantly reorganize the government. It calls for creating the position of a prime minister, who would share power with the president, and governorships for the nation’s provinces.
Before it can become official, the document, which would replace the current 1976 Soviet-era Constitution, will be put before the public in a series of meetings around the country and then be voted on in a national referendum, a process expected to take months.
Acosta also announced that the Constitution defines marriage as a union between two individuals, not exclusively between a man and a woman, thereby opening the door to gay marriage. Progreso Weekly spoke to some observers in Havana who wondered if the gay marriage initiative will also apply to the country’s Armed Forces.
Sunday’s vote of approval was unanimous.
The Times reported that “many details of the proposed Constitution remained to be publicized, leaving many Cubans and observers wondering whether the document will include certain reforms that would probably find widespread support in Cuba. These include more freedom for nonstate media and greater liberties of association and expression.”
Given the magnitude of the changes proposed in the new Constitution, Progreso Weekly will gradually address the many issues related to the Magna Carta.
