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The Cuban government dismissed Vice Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas this Wednesday, with a funeral homage held at the headquarters of the Council of Ministers, an institution where he worked for decades as one of the most influential negotiators in the regime's economic diplomacy.
The ceremony was attended by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, as well as leaders of the Communist Party and members of the government apparatus.
The Army General Raúl Castro sent a floral tribute, a gesture that underscores the prominent position Cabrisas held within the Cuban political elite.
A long line of people waiting outside the building to enter the funeral caught attention.
According to the Presidency's account on X, the event took place in a solemn atmosphere, marked by memories of his long life "dedicated to the Revolution."
A pillar of the regime's economic apparatus
Passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88, Cabrisas dedicated a significant part of his life to the state and diplomatic structure of the Island.
In 2019, he was appointed deputy prime minister, a position he held until his final days, having previously held key responsibilities.
From 1980 to 2000, he served as Minister of Foreign Trade.
Later, between 2008 and 2019, he served as vice president of the Council of Ministers, and from 2016 to 2018, he also took on the role of Minister of Economy and Planning.
In 2024, he was replaced as Minister of Foreign Trade, without an official explanation to the public.
However, in January of this year, the government had to rely on its experience and once again became a key player in negotiations with the Paris Club to refinance the Island's external debt, demonstrating its indispensable role in managing international finances.
Political trajectory
A key figure in the network of international economic relations in Havana, Cabrisas chaired intergovernmental commissions with allied countries for many years, becoming a trusted interlocutor for governments that supported the regime.
As a disciplined militant, he was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and served as a deputy in the National Assembly of People's Power.
Until his passing, he continued to participate in political activities and high-level meetings, despite his advanced age and low media profile in recent years.
Official reactions and silence regarding the causes of death
Díaz-Canel himself announced his passing via X, describing him as a "exemplary man."
In his message, he emphasized Cabrisas' dedication to the Revolution and presented him as a symbol of loyalty to the current political project.
The government, however, has not provided details regarding the causes of death, merely emphasizing his "life of service" and his loyalty to the system.
With the funeral held at the Council of Ministers, the Cuban leadership closes a chapter as it bids farewell to one of its longest-serving and most discreet negotiators, whose influence remained intact for more than half a century in the highest echelons of power.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ricardo Cabrisas's Funeral and Its Impact on Cuba
Who was Ricardo Cabrisas and what was his role in the Cuban regime?
Ricardo Cabrisas was a prominent vice prime minister of the Cuban regime, reconocido por su larga trayectoria en la estructura estatal y diplomática de la Isla. Fue ministro de Comercio Exterior, vicepresidente del Consejo de Ministros y ministro de Economía y Planificación, convirtiéndose en una figura clave en las relaciones económicas internacionales de Cuba.
How was Ricardo Cabrisas dismissed by the Cuban government?
Ricardo Cabrisas fue despedido con un homenaje fúnebre en la sede del Consejo de Ministros, al que asistieron figuras importantes del régimen, como el gobernante Miguel Díaz-Canel y el primer ministro Manuel Marrero. The event was described as solemn and focused on his life dedicated to the Revolution.
What legacy did Ricardo Cabrisas leave in the politics and economy of Cuba?
Ricardo Cabrisas left a legacy as one of the most influential negotiators of the regime, particularly in the management of international finances and economic relations with allied countries. His involvement in intergovernmental commissions and his role in refinancing Cuba's external debt underscore his significance in the country's economic diplomacy.
Why hasn't the Cuban government revealed the causes of Ricardo Cabrisas' death?
The Cuban government has focused on highlighting Cabrisas' life of service and loyalty to the system, without providing details about the causes of his death. The official silence regarding the reasons for his passing reflects a common lack of transparency in the Cuban regime, which typically keeps under wraps matters that could generate questioning or criticism.
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