A notable detail captured attention following the recent National Defense Council session led by Miguel Díaz-Canel and broadcast on Cuban television: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) chose to spotlight only the intervention of Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez Oliva Fraga, great-nephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro, on their social media.
Despite the presence of high-ranking leaders from the Party, State, and Government—including ministers of Energy, Health, Education, and Economy—MINREX's official X account (formerly Twitter) posted solely about Pérez Oliva.
"Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez Oliva Fraga outlined the aid received following Hurricane Melissa," stated the tweet from MINREX, which also included specific figures: "UN plan: 74 million dollars, with 11 million already activated. Notable donations came from several European countries, the Americas, and other parts of the world."
This post, which omitted any mention of other participants or Díaz-Canel himself, did not go unnoticed by analysts and social media users. Many perceive this as an attempt to position Pérez Oliva as a new face within the regime's power structure.
Recently elevated to Vice Prime Minister while retaining his role as Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, the 44-year-old Pérez Oliva has been gaining unusual prominence within the Cuban leadership. His familial connection to the Castros and rising public profile have led some to label him the "technocratic heir" of Castroism.
The MINREX tweet amplifies this perception, especially as the regime seeks to project an image of international openness and humanitarian cooperation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa's devastation.
However, within Cuba, international aid has scarcely alleviated the hardships faced by the population, which continues to endure blackouts, food shortages, and a collapse of essential services.
It's striking that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the regime's international projection hub and propagator of the "revolution" myth, would single out one political figure in an institutional event filled with other leaders.
For many, this gesture confirms the regime's effort to consolidate a new face of power under the Castro family's umbrella, at a time when Díaz-Canel's supposed legitimacy and his administration are more questioned than ever.
Understanding the Role of Óscar Pérez Oliva in Cuban Politics
Who is Óscar Pérez Oliva?
Óscar Pérez Oliva is the Vice Prime Minister of Cuba and a great-nephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro. He has risen to prominence within the Cuban government, holding significant roles such as Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment.
Why did MINREX highlight Pérez Oliva's intervention?
MINREX focused on Pérez Oliva's intervention to possibly position him as a prominent figure within the government, emphasizing his role in detailing international aid received after Hurricane Melissa.
What has been the public reaction to MINREX's focus on Pérez Oliva?
The public and analysts have perceived MINREX's focus as an effort to elevate Pérez Oliva's status, potentially grooming him as a future leader within the regime, which has sparked discussions about the regime's intentions.