Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the leading figure in Santiago de Cuba, made a statement on Wednesday asserting that "the Party resides within the people, not above them," a remark that could easily be interpreted as ironic. Her words, delivered with a tone of both acknowledgment and political reflection, were featured in a speech published by the local newspaper Sierra Maestra, the official mouthpiece of the regime in Santiago de Cuba. The intent was to highlight the role of communist party members in today's climate.
According to Johnson, being part of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) entails "listening more than speaking, accompanying rather than leading, supporting rather than shining." While this definition seems humble, it is uncommon in the country's power structures, where decisions are typically imposed from the top with little listening, minimal accompaniment, and a tightly controlled spotlight.
Johnson referenced a saying of Fidel Castro to emphasize that the Party should prioritize "merit, ability, and modesty," adding that "no position should serve as an excuse for privilege." This assertion comes amidst ongoing access to privileges by mid-level and high-ranking officials that most Cubans can only dream of, alongside recent corruption scandals involving party leaders.
Challenges in Today's Cuba
In her address, the first secretary acknowledged the complexity of Cuba's current situation, which she described as not only economic but also "cognitive, symbolic, and cultural." She warned that social media often becomes a battleground for noise and manipulation—according to her—and stressed the importance of maintaining "truth with calmness" while practicing politics as "a pedagogy of humanity."
She stated, "More than ever, we need a Party that resembles the country we are building and dreaming of together." However, for many, this vision still clashes with the reality of a nation where the Party—far from being part of the people—stands above the law, the media, institutions, and popular will.
The speech concluded with a call to "resist without losing tenderness," using the language of militant sensitivity, at a time when millions of Cubans endure hardships without resources, freedom, or many choices.
Understanding the Role of the Communist Party in Cuba
What did Beatriz Johnson Urrutia claim about the Communist Party's role?
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia claimed that the Communist Party is within the people, not above them, highlighting the need for the Party to listen, accompany, and support rather than lead and shine.
How does Johnson's statement contrast with the reality in Cuba?
While Johnson's statement emphasizes modesty and support, the reality in Cuba often sees the Party imposing decisions from the top and enjoying privileges unavailable to most citizens.
What challenges did Johnson identify in Cuba's current context?
Johnson pointed to a complex situation in Cuba, describing it as economic, cognitive, symbolic, and cultural, and criticized social media as a platform for noise and manipulation.