Legal System of Cuba Transition and a New Constitution Frank Quintero Jr.

Summary

In this presentation, Frank Quintero Jr., discusses the transition of the legal system in Cuba and a new constitution. He highlights the importance of the constitution and the judicial system in the evolution towards a democratic Cuba. It briefly reviews previous Cuban constitutions, focusing on the 1940 and 2019 constitutions. It points out the disconnection between rights on paper and their implementation, highlighting the contradictions in the protection of individual rights in the 2019 Constitution. It also mentions the need to respect the right to private property to promote economic development and attract foreign investment.

Highlights

• Importance of the Constitution: Quintero highlights that the path to a democratic Cuba begins with a new constitution and a judicial system.

• Cuban Constitutional History: He briefly reviews the previous constitutions of Cuba, focusing on that of 1940 and that of 2019.

• Disconnection between Rights and Reality: He points out the disconnection between the rights guaranteed in the 2019 Constitution and their effective implementation, especially evidenced during the 2021 protests.

• Importance of Private Property: He highlights the importance of protecting the right to private property to promote democracy and economic development.

• Contradictions in the 2019 Constitution: He points out contradictions in the 2019 Constitution, such as repression during protests despite guaranteeing assembly and protest rights.

• Foreign Influence and Development: He comments on the need to respect the rights of foreign investors to promote the economic development of Cuba.

• Referendum on Marriage Equality: He mentions an upcoming referendum on marriage equality in Cuba and the tensions between groups for and against.