The communist leader José Ramón Machado Ventura stated that he has no problems in his life and that he was never concerned about how much he earned while he was active.
In an interview with the official journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet, the hardliner within the regime stated that he does not pay attention to the reputation of being "stingy" that some attribute to him within the Party, and asserted that he only likes to "save."
"I personally have no problems whatsoever, nor was I ever worried about it. I never knew what I earned, nor how much I was paid, and I never concerned myself with that," he bragged.
"One day he told me, I think it was Hart who said to me: 'Well, how much do you want to earn? Or how much should you earn?' when I went to Matanzas, when he was the minister. 'I don't know anything, whatever comes my way.' I went there without any problems, I never worried about that," he added.
Machado Ventura's extensive career includes his role as a member of the Central Committee of the Party and its Political Bureau. He also served as Minister of Health, First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and Second Secretary of the Party.
At 90 years old, "the man with the toupee" was removed from the apparatus of governmental power during the eighth congress of the Party in April 2021. "I’m leaving now," he stated at that time. However, two years later he was nominated again to the National Assembly of People's Power.
The former official confessed to the newspaper Granma that he wanted to live for 200 years to work more, and emphasized that the sacrifices he imposed on his family throughout his life "were not for partying; it was for work."
"There are people who wish to live longer to enjoy life, but no, no, I would like to live longer to work more and see the development of this," he expressed.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Ramón Machado Ventura and Politics in Cuba
What did Machado Ventura say about his salary as a communist leader?
José Ramón Machado Ventura stated that he never worried about how much he earned as a communist leader in Cuba. According to him, he didn't know how much he earned or how much he should earn, and this aspect was not a concern for him in his professional life.
What has been Machado Ventura's political trajectory in Cuba?
Machado Ventura has had an extensive political career in Cuba, holding positions such as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Minister of Health, First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and Second Secretary of the Party. His career encompasses several leadership roles within the Cuban regime over the decades.
How is retirement perceived in Cuba according to the context of the news?
Retirement in Cuba is seen as a challenging stage, often marked by institutional neglect and poverty. Many retirees face precarious living conditions, despite having devoted their entire lives to the socialist system, which generates discontent and frustration among the elderly population.
What criticisms are being made of the Cuban regime in the context of the news?
The Cuban regime is criticized for its inefficiency, corruption, and inability to provide effective solutions to the country's economic and social problems. The promises of equality and social justice have not been fulfilled, leaving many citizens in poverty, especially retirees who dedicated their lives to the system.
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