The closing sessions of Cuba's National Assembly were dramatically highlighted by Raúl Castro Ruz, who vocally expressed his support for Miguel Díaz-Canel. This theatrical display coincided with the controversial constitutional amendment aimed at removing the age limit for the presidency. Castro's enthusiastic chants of "Long live Díaz-Canel!" and "Long live the Revolution!" marked the end of the Fifth Ordinary Period of Sessions of the National Assembly of People's Power, sparking a stir on social media.
The scene was disseminated through an official post by the Cuban Presidency, which described the sessions as "a genuine Assembly of the people." Standing behind the former leader, Díaz-Canel responded with a "And long live Raúl!" completing a political spectacle designed to publicly reaffirm the unity in the leadership of the Cuban regime amidst a week fraught with controversies.
Swift Constitutional Change: Presidential Age Limit Removed
On the same day, without prior public consultation, the National Assembly approved a reform to Article 127 of the Constitution, abolishing the age restriction of 60 years for a first-term presidency. This amendment paves the way for older candidates, justified by the arguments of "population aging" and the need to capitalize on the "experience, loyalty, and commitment" of seasoned leaders.
The reform process was spearheaded by the State Council, reviewed by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party, and directly proposed by Raúl Castro, as confirmed by Esteban Lazo, the Parliament's president. The government defended the measure, claiming it does not necessitate a referendum as it neither reduces the term nor directly alters the system's foundations, as stipulated by Article 228 of the Constitution.
Controversy and Hollow Speeches: A Scripted Conclusion
The legislative sessions were also overshadowed by the scandal involving the Labor Minister, whose contentious remarks claimed that Cuba has no beggars, only "people disguised" as poor. The Parliament applauded Marta Elena Feitó's statements without critique, but once her speech reached the media, it unleashed a wave of criticism on social networks. This prompted Díaz-Canel to publicly denounce the official, leading to her dismissal.
Raúl Castro seized the Assembly's closure as an opportunity to publicly endorse the current leader, a move many see as an attempt to maintain control amid the island's social, economic, and political upheavals.
A Tailored Amendment
Previously, Article 127 stipulated that to be president of the Republic, one must be between 35 and 60 years old, a Cuban citizen by birth without another nationality, and enjoy full civil and political rights. The new legal wording will allow older leaders, like Díaz-Canel, who is 65, to be reelected or nominated without legal restrictions, smoothing the way for political continuity without generational change.
While the regime speaks of "responsibility for the nation's future," many Cubans view this consolidation of power with concern, as it bypasses citizen consultation and exacerbates the country's deepening economic and social crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Political Landscape
What changes were made to Cuba's presidential age limit?
The National Assembly approved a reform to eliminate the age limit of 60 years for first-term presidential candidates, allowing older individuals to be elected.
How did Raúl Castro express support for Díaz-Canel?
Raúl Castro vocally supported Díaz-Canel by shouting "Long live Díaz-Canel!" and "Long live the Revolution!" during the National Assembly's closing session.
Why was the constitutional reform controversial?
The reform was controversial as it was approved without public consultation, raising concerns about the reinforcement of power structures without citizen input.