On Wednesday, the Cuban government invoked the presence of Raúl Castro to endorse a series of economic reforms. During an Extraordinary Plenum of the Communist Party's Central Committee, it was announced that the 94-year-old former president had signed the transformation document and participated in the session via videoconference.
José Amado Ricardo Guerra, a major general and member of the Political Bureau, as well as the Secretary of the Council of Ministers, informed the delegates that Castro had been consulted and was "fully in agreement" with the proposals presented by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.
Ricardo physically displayed the ex-leader's signature on the analyzed document, describing it as "undeniable evidence of his approval and support," further suggesting that the nonagenarian continues to influence from behind the scenes.
The Role of Castro's Endorsement
According to the official, Castro conveyed a message urging participation in the meeting to "build the necessary consensus in this crucial moment," asserting that implementing the proposed changes "is what benefits the Revolution most today."
The government also claimed Castro warned that "equally or more important than approving these transformations is their proper and timely implementation," with defined priorities and what he described as public involvement, acting with "feet and ears to the ground."
Details of the Economic Reforms
The plenum, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, was convened to approve a package of over 20 economic reforms that Díaz-Canel himself had announced on June 12. The measures include reducing ministries from 27 to 21, granting greater salary and commercial autonomy to state enterprises, eliminating the requirement for the state to channel imports and exports, expanding small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating mechanisms to facilitate investment from Cubans abroad.
Health Concerns and Political Legitimacy
Castro's participation via videoconference, rather than in person, highlights his health condition. In April 2026, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that Castro was "retired for health reasons" and described him as "frail." On May 1, 2026, when he presided over an event at the Anti-imperialist Tribune, independent media noted his visibly deteriorated state.
The showcasing of his signature was a deliberate political move to legitimize the reforms amid Cuba's worst economic crisis in decades, marked by rampant inflation, prolonged blackouts, and widespread shortages.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Skepticism about the reforms quickly emerged. Economist Pedro Monreal labeled them "belated pragmatism" and a "stale ruse," questioning that the reduction of ministries carries "more symbolic than transformative weight" and that the package does not address the structural issues of the centralized planning model.
Simultaneously, protests erupted in Santa Clara, and demonstrations occurred in Havana, highlighting the social unrest surrounding the process.
An extraordinary session of the National Assembly is scheduled for Thursday to assess and formalize the reforms approved at the plenum.
Understanding the Recent Economic Reforms in Cuba
What are the key components of the recent Cuban economic reforms?
The reforms include reducing the number of ministries from 27 to 21, granting greater autonomy to state enterprises, eliminating state control over imports and exports, expanding small and medium-sized enterprises, and facilitating investments by Cubans living abroad.
How has Raúl Castro's health influenced his participation in the reforms?
Raúl Castro's health has limited his public appearances, leading to his participation in the recent plenum via videoconference. His health challenges have been acknowledged by Miguel Díaz-Canel, who noted Castro's frail condition.
What has been the public reaction to the economic reforms?
Public reaction has been skeptical, with criticism from economists like Pedro Monreal, who sees the reforms as insufficient. Social unrest has been evident through protests in Santa Clara and demonstrations in Havana.