By María Josefina Arce
The budget approved every year in Cuba has a marked social character, which preserves and defends the achievements of the Revolution, while betting on the country's development.
Presented before the National Assembly of People's Power, whose Tenth Ordinary Session of its Ninth Legislature is taking place in Havana, the budget for 2023 is once again a reflection of the effort and political will of the state and government to create greater welfare for its citizens.
The Minister of Finance and Prices, Meisi Bolaños, pointed out that in spite of the current economic difficulties, due to the world situation and the reinforcement of the US blockade, special attention continues to be paid to such important areas as health, education, assistance and social security.
Thus, for the coming year and as usual, the expenses foreseen will guarantee the operation of schools and hospitals, programs for the care of vulnerable people, housing subsidies and payments to retirees and pensioners.
The funds allocated to support the consumption of goods and services such as medicines, electricity, liquefied gas and water, among others, will amount to more than 39 million pesos.
The state budget for 2023, approved by the Parliament, also contemplates the support to investments in infrastructure and transformation of the energy matrix, an aspect of vital importance for the country in order to promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
State expenditures for the coming year also include support for the transformation of neighborhoods, an integral and permanent government policy aimed at improving the living conditions of the population.
The Minister of Finance and Prices pointed out the importance of seeking from the budget a greater growth of tax collection, with a view to achieve a monetary balance, for which it is necessary to minimize the gaps of tax evasion and avoidance.
Hence, transformations were announced in the control systems for a greater tax contribution, resources that are finally invested in social programs for the benefit of the citizens.
In a scenario not exempt from contingencies, the 2023 budget, approved in the last hours by the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, continues to guarantee the rights enjoyed by all Cubans and bets on the economic development of the nation.
