Former political prisoner, José Daniel Ferrer, recently speculated on a few names during an interview when asked about who could be Cuba's "Delcy Rodríguez"—a crucial figure in the event of a political shift.
In his appearance on Telemundo 51's program "Encuentro Virtual" with journalist Gloria Ordaz, the founder of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU) mentioned a couple of individuals, the second of whom was quite unexpected and relatively unknown in Cuban political circles.
Potential Key Player: Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga
The first name Ferrer brought up was Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, who serves as Cuba's current Deputy Prime Minister and is the grandnephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro, a connection that cannot be overlooked when considering the real power dynamics on the island.
Ferrer suggested that Pérez-Oliva Fraga "might be gaining prominence within the Cuban regime's power structure," a claim supported by his steady rise within the government hierarchy in recent months.
Currently, Pérez-Oliva Fraga holds significant positions in commerce and investment sectors, positioning him as a pivotal figure for those interested in a controlled transition.
Although not widely recognized outside official circles, his surname and strategic placement in critical economic areas make him, according to some analysts, a potential mediator between the traditional power and the regime's survival interests under international pressure.
The Unexpected Mention: Ana María Mari Machado
Ferrer didn't stop at one name. He noted that an important announcement was reportedly brewing within the power corridors, with "talk of Ana María Mari Machado," current Vice President of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State.
Ferrer described her as a "second-tier figure."
Who is Ana María Mari Machado?
Born on May 22, 1963, in Calabazar de Sagua, Encrucijada, then part of Las Villas province, Ana María Mari Machado is a trained lawyer specializing in criminal law.
She began her institutional career in the judicial field as a legal advisor, judge, and President of the People's Municipal Court of Encrucijada. Later, she presided over the Provincial People's Court of Villa Clara.
Her career ascended through the judicial system until becoming Vice President of the Supreme People's Court, from which she transitioned to the political arena.
She has served as a delegate to the Provincial Assembly of People's Power, President of the National Electoral Commission (2010), and Deputy for the Quemado de Güines municipality, Villa Clara.
Since 2012, she has been the Vice President of the National Assembly of People's Power, with successive re-elections in 2018, 2019, and 2023, and is also a member of the Communist Party of Cuba's Central Committee.
Her role in the state's formal structures positions her as a figure of institutional continuity, although without popular leadership or international visibility.
Implications of Ferrer's Speculation
Ferrer's statements not only spark a debate about specific names but also about the internal dynamics of Cuban power and its potential reconfiguration amid external pressures.
The opposition leader, with years of experience both inside and outside the regime's prisons, doesn't suggest a democratic succession but rather a possible maneuver to maintain power in new forms, similar to what happened in Venezuela.
The reference to Delcy Rodríguez serves as a warning: figures who have been complicit in or architects of the authoritarian apparatus may be recycled as supposed transition or stability guarantors without an actual structural change.
Ferrer highlighted a critical aspect of the Cuban system: "In Cuba, there are no democratic mechanisms for electing leaders as in other countries."
Therefore, it is crucial—in his words and subsequent analysis—to observe who is close to power, who occupies strategic positions, and which names might be put forward in the event of a leadership reconfiguration.
Cuban Political Dynamics and Future Prospects
Who is Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga?
Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga is the current Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba and the grandnephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro. He is gaining prominence for his roles in commerce and investments, positioning him as a potential key figure in a controlled political transition.
What role does Ana María Mari Machado play in Cuban politics?
Ana María Mari Machado is the Vice President of the National Assembly of People's Power and a member of the Council of State. She has a background in law and an extensive career in the judicial system, positioning her as a figure of institutional continuity within the Cuban government.
What is the significance of the reference to Delcy Rodríguez in Ferrer's statements?
The reference to Delcy Rodríguez is a cautionary note indicating that individuals who were part of or complicit in the authoritarian regime may be repositioned as transition figures, potentially maintaining the status quo without genuine structural change.