The regime in Cuba has recently appointed two generals and a cultural commissioner as new members of the Communist Party of Cuba's (PCC) Central Committee. The announcements were made by the Cuban Presidency, highlighting the inclusion of Major General Raúl Villar Kessel, head of the Central Army; Brigadier General Oscar A. Callejas Varcalce, head of the Political Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior; and Magda Resik Aguirre, the first vice president of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC).
These appointments were confirmed during the PCC's 10th Plenum, which convened last Friday. According to the Cuban Center for Strategic Studies, Villar Kessel is considered a recent addition to the upper echelon of the Cuban military, notable for his academic pursuits at military institutions in China. Born on August 4, 1965, in Bahía Honda, Artemisa, Villar Kessel not only graduated from Cuban military academies but also enhanced his education at China’s National Defense University. There, he earned a degree as a Specialist in Defense and National Security.
Profiles of New Appointees
On the other hand, Callejas Valcarce, aged 63, is a senior figure within the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). His name is included on the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blacklist due to his involvement in the social uprising on July 11, 2021.
Magda Resik, known for hosting the television program "El espectador crítico," has been involved in censorship controversies, notably regarding Juan Pin Vilar's documentary "La Habana de Fito."
Context of the 10th Plenum
The 10th Plenum of the PCC was called with the intent to discuss "vital issues" affecting the economy and society, amidst ongoing crises in Cuba. Citizens face severe shortages and power outages lasting over 20 hours, reflecting the dire state of the nation under the socialist-communist regime.
Impact of New Appointments on Cuba's Political Landscape
What roles do the new appointees play in the Cuban government?
Raúl Villar Kessel and Oscar A. Callejas Varcalce serve in high-ranking military and political positions, while Magda Resik Aguirre is a cultural figure, all now part of the Communist Party's Central Committee.
Why is Oscar A. Callejas Valcarce on the U.S. blacklist?
He was added to the blacklist due to his involvement in the suppression of the social protests that occurred on July 11, 2021, in Cuba.
What issues were addressed at the PCC’s 10th Plenum?
The Plenum aimed to tackle critical economic and social issues impacting the Cuban population, amidst widespread shortages and prolonged power outages.