Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz expressed his sorrow on Sunday following the death of Revolution Commander Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, who passed away at the age of 94.
In a post on his official X account, Marrero conveyed his deep sadness, emphasizing the great privilege he had in learning from Valdés Menéndez.
"Profound sadness at the physical departure of Revolution Commander Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, who devoted his life to defending the Homeland with unwavering loyalty to Fidel and Raúl," Marrero wrote. He further described it as a "tremendous privilege" to have worked alongside him and gained from his insights over the years.
Marrero's message echoed that of Miguel Díaz-Canel, who also mourned the loss of Valdés, likening it to losing "a father" and concluded his tribute with the slogan "¡Hasta la victoria siempre, Comandante!"
Valdés, born on April 28, 1932, in Artemisa, was among the last survivors of the original Cuban Revolution generation. He played a significant role in the attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953, was part of the Granma expedition, and served as the second-in-command of Che Guevara's column during the invasion from Oriente to Occidente.
After the 1959 victory, Valdés became the chief architect of the Cuban state's repressive machinery. He established the Ministry of the Interior in 1961, created the Department of State Security and the General Directorate of Intelligence, and maintained close ties with the Soviet KGB.
He held the Interior Ministry portfolio in two separate terms —1961-1968 and 1979-1985— and also served as vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, Minister of Informatics and Communications, and was a founding member of the Communist Party of Cuba's Central Committee and Political Bureau.
Since September 2025, his absence from official events led to increasing speculation about his health. Unofficial reports of his severe hospitalization circulated in January and February of 2026.
On June 6, 2026, during the 65th anniversary of MININT —the institution he founded— his absence was particularly notable, with Díaz-Canel paying tribute in his absence.
While the regime declared official mourning, many Cubans reacted differently on social media, with numerous individuals celebrating the news, associating Valdés with decades of state repression.
With his passing, the historical generation of the Cuban Revolution dwindles to just two figures: Raúl Castro, aged 95, and Guillermo García Frías, aged 98.
Understanding Ramiro Valdés' Impact on Cuba
Who was Ramiro Valdés Menéndez?
Ramiro Valdés Menéndez was a key figure in the Cuban Revolution, known for his role in establishing the repressive state security apparatus. He held various significant positions in the Cuban government.
What roles did Valdés play in the Cuban government?
Valdés served as Minister of the Interior, vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, Minister of Informatics and Communications, and was a founding member of the Communist Party's Central Committee and Political Bureau.
How did Cubans react to his death?
While the Cuban regime declared official mourning, many Cubans expressed a different sentiment on social media, associating Valdés with years of state repression and celebrating his death.
What was Valdés' involvement in the Cuban Revolution?
Valdés participated in the Moncada Barracks attack, the Granma expedition, and served as a key military leader under Che Guevara during the revolutionary invasion.