In Surprise Move, Raúl Castro Replaces Key Aides to Fidel
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Raúl Castro, brother and replacement of Fidel Castro, who headed Cuba’s revolutionary government for nearly 50 years, has replaced two top officials who were long-time aides to his brother and potential successors. The move is being called a clear indication that Raúl Castro is now the true leader of the Cuban state, not just a place-holder for his ailing brother.
Felipe Pérez Roque, Cuba’s foreign minister, has been replaced. There is speculation Raúl Castro now aims to restructure the Cuban government in anticipation of a possible warming of relations with the US, under the leadership of Pres. Barack Obama. Such progress would likely require visible reforms that distance Cuba’s current regime from the policies of the Fidel Castro era.
The Christian Science Monitor reports that:
Carlos Lage also lost his post as chief cabinet minister, though he retains his role as vice president of the Council of State. He will be replaced with a military official who has long worked alongside Raúl Castro.
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There is also speculation that Castro’s move could be an indication he is taking action to change the way Cuba’s economy works. Streamlining bureaucracy and replacing inefficient distribution systems that carry produce and supplies hundreds of miles out of their way has been a state priority of his new government.
Raúl likely needs loyal aides of his own, to hold back staunch resistance from his brother’s protegés while he enacts much needed reforms. In all 10 ministers were removed from their positions, and 4 ministries were merged, in what appears to be a consolidation of authority and an attempt to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The reforms could indicate a willingness on the part of the new Cuban administration to confront the failings of the regime and institute important economic reforms aimed at providing more practical solutions for the Cuban people. This could mean a dilution of power for the Communist party, but perhaps also some hope of a viable process of political reform.
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