Cuba announced yesterday that it will slash at least half-a-million state workers by early next year and reduce restrictions on free enterprise to help them find new jobs – Cuba’s official work force is 5.1 million – meaning nearly 10% of all employees could soon be out of a government job. Which makes Osborne’s deficit reduction plans less radical than Castro’s plans.

According to a statement from the Communist Party controlled Cuban Workers Federation – the only legal union in Cuba – this is “in support of Socialism” and will “make the Cuban production model more efficient.” There is nothing progressive about a budget deficit…

UPDATE : Cuba’s healthcare system is being reorganised as well. There is no money left…