The communist leader Susely Morfa González, known for her controversial public statements and labeled by many Cubans as the "millionaire psychologist," was promoted this Wednesday to First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in the province of Villa Clara.
According to the official newspaper Vanguardia, the Plenary of the Provincial Committee of the Party, chaired by Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee, agreed to relieve the then First Secretary Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez of his duties, who, as reported, will be assigned to other responsibilities within the party structure.
Instead, the PCC body chose Susely Morfa González, a member of the Central Committee and, until now, head of the Department of Social Sector Attention of the Central Committee itself.
Morfa, 42 years old, holds a degree in Psychology, serves as a deputy in the National Assembly of People’s Power, and has a long-standing career within the ranks of the Young Communist Union (UJC), where she has held the positions of second and first secretary of the National Committee.
She was also the First Secretary of the Party in Matanzas before being promoted to the auxiliary apparatus of the Central Committee in Havana.
Why do they call Susely Morfa, First Secretary of the PCC in Villa Clara, the "millionaire psychologist"?
The nickname "millionaire psychologist" has been associated with Susely Morfa since April 2015, when her name and face gained international attention during the VII Summit of the Americas in Panama.
At that event, he delivered an impassioned response to journalists, especially in reaction to a question from Univisión reporter Mario Vallejo.
In his response, Morfa stated that he had paid for the trip with his own resources and that he was "a millionaire," adding that the journalist needed to "update his economic model."
The claims, deemed absurd and provocative by many, sparked mockery, memes, and criticism, as the trip—according to various sources—was funded by the Cuban government.
The contrast between her official rhetoric and the difficult economic situation the country is facing solidified the nickname by which she has been remembered since then on social media and independent outlets.
That scene, along with his political alignment, shaped Morfa's public image, making him a symbol of official propaganda and a target for criticism from sectors opposing the Cuban regime.
From her replacement in Matanzas to her reappearance in the Central Committee: The recent journey of the "millionaire psychologist" within the PCC
In March 2024, it was announced the replacement of Susely Morfa as the First Secretary of the PCC in Matanzas, a position she had held for three years.
That replacement motivated Lis Cuesta, wife of the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, to dedicate a message on social media in which she praised his “discipline, dedication, and loyalty.”
The words of support were interpreted as a sign of political backing from the highest levels, at a time of increasing public questioning of the power structures in Cuba, particularly towards the "millionaire psychologist."
One month later, Susely Morfa reappeared on the political scene as the head of the Department of Attention to the Social Sector of the Central Committee of the PCC.
The new position confirmed that his departure from Matanzas did not imply a loss of influence, but rather a strategic relocation within the auxiliary apparatus in Havana, which strengthened his presence within the regime's power structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Susely Morfa González and her role in the PCC
Who is Susely Morfa González and what is her new position in the PCC?
Susely Morfa González is the new First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in the province of Villa Clara. Prior to this promotion, she was the head of the Department of Attention to the Social Sector of the Central Committee and has had an extensive career in the Union of Young Communists (UJC). She is known for her controversial public interventions and the nickname "the millionaire psychologist."
Why is Susely Morfa called the "millionaire psychologist"?
The nickname "millionaire psychologist" originated at the VII Summit of the Americas in 2015, when Susely Morfa stated that she had paid for her trip with her own resources and that she was "a millionaire," which sparked ridicule and criticism due to the contrast with Cuba's economic reality. This nickname has become a symbol of government propaganda and has been the subject of criticism from sectors opposing the Cuban regime.
What is the current political context in the PCC surrounding the appointment of Susely Morfa?
The Communist Party of Cuba is facing a series of dismissals and internal changes within its ranks. So far in 2025, several provincial first secretaries have been dismissed due to "errors and attitude problems." This reflects an attempt by the regime to demonstrate measures against inefficiency and corruption, although the lack of transparency in these processes creates distrust among the population.
What has been Susely Morfa's political trajectory before her new position?
Susely Morfa has had an extensive career in the Union of Young Communists (UJC), where she held the positions of second and first secretary of the National Committee. She also served as First Secretary of the Party in Matanzas before being promoted to the auxiliary apparatus of the Central Committee in Havana. Additionally, she holds a degree in Psychology and is a deputy in the National Assembly of People's Power.
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