Cuba’s government approved a sweeping package of economic reforms aimed at opening up its struggling economy and attracting foreign investment. Cuban lawmakers voted unanimously to approve more than 175 reforms, with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero detailing 176 measures to reduce the state’s role in sectors including banking, tourism, and agriculture. The Communist Party signed off on the package of free market reforms and stated the changes were not a deviation from the socialist project. Cuba is grappling with widespread shortages of food, fuel and medicine as well as frequent blackouts. Cuba's leader announced new economic reforms to foster foreign investment and the national economy to counter US-imposed economic and energy sanctions. The United States exerts strong pressure on Cuba aside from the oil blockade. According to Al Jazeera, Cuba has approved sweeping economic reforms, opening key sectors to private investment. According to DW, a member of Cuba's Communist Party called the reforms a response to economic war. According to AP News, Cuba’s Communist Party called an unscheduled session.