In his address, he vehemently criticized the United States, staunchly defended Cuba's socialist system, and insisted that the economic reforms initiated by his government do not signify a shift toward capitalism. As reported by the state-run outlet Cubadebate, Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba will maintain its course despite Washington's pressures. Díaz-Canel went so far as to label the U.S. government a "neo-fascist regime," drawing comparisons to the European fascism of the 20th century. Díaz-Canel also repudiated a U.S. State Department report dated July 20, describing Cuba as the "capital of 21st-century communism." Economic Reforms: Safeguarding SocialismDomestically, Díaz-Canel defended the 176 economic measures approved by the National Assembly in June.