It is an honor to gather in Linz, capital of the State of Upper Austria, to participate in this event, today 26 July, a momentous date for the Cuban history, the Day of the National Rebellion. The assault of Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Garrisons 65 years ago resumed the Cuban liberating and independence campaign that begun on 10 October 1868, 150 years ago. 26 July 1953 marked the beginning of the revolutionary process that would lead - five years, five months and five days later - to the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution on 1 January 1959.
We are deeply moved. This is a day of victory for the homeland, of honors for our nation, the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, comrade Fidel Castro Ruz is more than ever in our thoughts; his image, his work and his example are present in all of us.The Revolution was barely a month old and the plan to face the galloping misery that excluded millions of Cubans from the elemental benefits of a modern society was already underway.Since then, great economic and social transformations have been carried out in Cuba.
Our people have had and have the ability to grow up in the face of any difficulty or challenge. For almost six decades we have faced the limitations that the country is experiencing as a result of the economic war imposed against Cuba by the US Government. We are constantly evaluating what we do, looking for ways to perfect it, transforming concepts and methods which were appropriate at the time, but have already been overcome. The only thing that a Cuban revolutionary will never question is our irrevocable decision to build socialism.
A little over three months ago (on 19 April), the general election process concluded setting the new Cuban Parliament and the election of the State Council and the new President of the Councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.The First Regular Session of the IX Legislature of the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba has just ended. As a result, the Constitution Project of the Republic was passed. It will be promptly submitted to popular consultation. Every Cuban will be able to express his/her opinions freely and contribute to the achievement of a constitutional text that reflects the present and the future of the country. This shows the prominent role of the people in the Revolution. The document will return to the Parliament and after its adoption, it will be submitted to a referendum through direct and secret vote of each citizen of the nation.
The profound reform of our Constitution seeks to strengthen the institutional framework and the Economic and Social Model approved by the Sixth and Seventh Conferences of the Party.When referring to the processes of transformation and changes in Cuban society, it is important to highlight the continuity of the Cuban social project which begun in 1959.
The Cuban Parliament recently passed a new Council of Ministers, renewed by more than 30%, which will have to carry out its work in a difficult situation marked by the complexity of the international scenario. On the other hand, the country's economy faces several adverse factors, such as the tense situation in external finances; the damages caused by the prolonged drought; the destruction of the hurricane Irma; the heavy rains; as well as the resurgence of the economic, commercial and financial blockade, which constitutes the main obstacle to our development, and its enormous extraterritorial effects.
In these circumstances, efforts are being multiplied to give continuity to the development of prioritized activities devoted to growth and progress.Cuban people is committed to its Revolution and to the legacy of the heroes and martyrs of Moncada´s heroic deed will continue forward and, we know that to do that, we count on the international support and solidarity. We thank the Friendship Association with Cuba of Linz (ÖKG OÖ, by its German initials) for the organization of this event, for its solidarity and support to the battle against the blockade.
Thank you very much to all those present.
Long live the Cuban Revolution!