The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Mayabeque has removed Yuniasky Crespo Baquero from her position as First Secretary, appointing Edelso Antonio Ramos Linares in her stead. Ramos Linares previously held the role of Deputy Chief of the Department of Cadres Policy within the Central Committee of the regime’s organization. The state-controlled Cuban media confirmed the news on Friday, although the reasons behind Crespo Baquero's removal were not disclosed, only mentioning that she will be assuming "new responsibilities."
This decision was made during a plenary session led by Roberto Morales, the Secretary of Organization for the Communist Party. Crespo's removal marks the third dismissal of PCC First Secretaries this year alone. The newly appointed First Secretary, Edelso Antonio Ramos Linares, aged 51, is a graduate in Education specializing in Marxism, Leninism, and History. He has extensive experience, having served as an instructor, a bureau member, and First Secretary of the Municipal Committee of the PCC. Additionally, he was responsible for political and ideological activities in the Provincial Committee of Pinar del Río for over three years.
Crespo joins a growing list of dismissals within the ranks of Cuba's sole legal political party. In March, Walter Simón Noris, the PCC Secretary for the province of Las Tunas, was ousted after less than a year in his role. His replacement was a seasoned official with prior experience as a Communist Party Secretary at the municipal level in Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, and Isla de la Juventud.
In February, the PCC in Cienfuegos expelled two leaders due to "errors and attitude problems." The Provincial Committee Plenum decided to remove José López Zuñet, a former member of its Executive Bureau, citing "attitude problems in carrying out assigned tasks." Similarly, the Municipal Committee in Rodas took identical steps against Mayré Fornaris Soriano, the former First Secretary in that area, for "errors committed in fulfilling her duties," which jeopardized the control of various organizational processes.
The purging of Communist Party leaders in Cuba suggests an attempt by the regime to demonstrate accountability for inefficiency and corruption. However, the lack of transparency and detail in these removal processes fosters distrust among the public, who view these actions as insufficient to tackle the country's systemic issues.
Understanding the Recent Changes in Cuba's Communist Party
Why was Yuniasky Crespo Baquero removed from her position?
The official Cuban media did not disclose specific reasons for Yuniasky Crespo Baquero's removal, only indicating that she will be taking on new responsibilities.
Who is Edelso Antonio Ramos Linares?
Edelso Antonio Ramos Linares is a 51-year-old educator specializing in Marxism, Leninism, and History, who previously served as Deputy Chief of the Department of Cadres Policy within the PCC Central Committee.
What is the significance of the recent dismissals within the PCC?
These dismissals reflect an attempt by the Cuban regime to project accountability for inefficiencies and corruption, though the lack of transparency in these actions raises public skepticism.
How have the public reacted to these changes?
The public has shown distrust towards these changes, perceiving them as inadequate to address the deep-rooted issues within the country's political system.