Cubans Respond to the Death of Ramiro Valdés, a Key Figure in Cuba's Repressive Regime

The passing of Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, the architect behind Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and a pivotal figure in the country's oppressive regime, sparked a wave of reactions on social media this Sunday. This response starkly contrasted with the official mourning declared by the Cuban government.

While Miguel Díaz-Canel announced the news on his X account, expressing a deep personal loss akin to losing a father, hundreds of Cubans openly rejoiced at the announcement.

Valdés, who died at the age of 94 on Father's Day morning, was confirmed deceased by Díaz-Canel and the state-run media outlet, Canal Caribe.

The regime hailed him as a "Hero of the Republic of Cuba and of Labor" with an "outstanding record of service to the nation," a portrayal that clashed sharply with the public's memory of him. Among his critics, he was often referred to by the nicknames "Blood Pool" and "the Butcher of Artemisa."

Role in Cuba's Security Apparatus

Valdés was the inaugural head of MININT, established in 1961, and was instrumental in founding both the State Security Department and the General Intelligence Directorate. He maintained close ties with the Soviet KGB.

His second term at the helm of the ministry, from 1979 to 1985, was marked by internal control, prisons, and surveillance during one of the harshest periods of repression under the Castro regime.

Public Reaction to Valdés' Death

Social media erupted with reactions soon after the news broke. Lisa FC remarked, "The domino pieces have started to fall."

Carlos Espinosa expressed, "Finally some good news amidst so much bad, hallelujah."

Adriana Granado Sariol confessed, "May God forgive me, but today is for celebrating, for drinking, for enjoyment," while Giomar Tutier was blunt: "He left without facing justice."

Alina Alvarez Miranda added, "May God place him where he belongs, he dealt enough blows to prisoners."

Humor mixed with indignation in some responses. Zulema Hernández joked, "There's a big argument beyond. God says, not here. The devil says, not here, I don't want competition."

Daniel Javier Perez Batista captured the everyday reality of Cubans: "Look at this, for three minutes I'll forget that I don't have water or electricity."

Mercedes Alonso highlighted the disparity between Valdés' life and that of ordinary Cubans: "He lived in a mansion by the sea in Santa Fe, a long and comfortable life, another at the expense of the Cuban people."

Reflective Responses and Lingering Questions

Not all responses were celebratory. Danilo Quiñonez pondered, "I never rejoice in anyone's death, but someone who did wrong leaves a memory that brings neither sadness nor joy."

Meanwhile, Miriam Ramírez Santana lamented, "Another one goes unscathed," and Eddy Lugones concluded with a rallying cry: "That's the best gift for Cuban fathers. Down with the dictatorship. Homeland and Life."

The death of Valdés was not unexpected for those tracking his public appearances. His absence from official events since September 2025 had fueled speculation, and on June 6, during the 65th anniversary of MININT, Díaz-Canel acknowledged him as a "founding leader" in front of his empty chair.

With Valdés' passing, the historical generation of the Cuban Revolution is now reduced to just two figures: Raúl Castro, aged 95, and Guillermo García Frías.

Social media users are already turning their attention to Castro, with Esther Echemendia Insausti bluntly stating, "Raúl, warm up, you're next."