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The Army General Raúl Castro Ruz made a public appearance this Friday at the Universal Hall of the FAR, during the closing of the annual meeting of heads of diplomatic missions from Cuba, accompanied by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The event culminated with the play A Closed Hive, performed by the children's company La Colmenita, in a staging designed to support the regime's narrative that the "blockade" from the United States keeps the Cuban people "confined."
The presence of Castro, at 93 years old, comes at a time when his public appearances have noticeably increased.
Raúl Castro is the last living representative of the so-called "historical generation" of the Revolution. His presence at public events serves as a symbolic endorsement of the continuity of the regime and the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, whose mandate lacks the direct authority that his predecessor held.
These appearances seem to respond to a strategy of the regime to use the symbolic weight of the general at moments of political legitimacy loss, weakened international projection, and increasing social pressure. Although now retired from his official duties, Raúl Castro remains a visible supporting actor in the Cuban power apparatus.
Last year, he presided over parliamentary sessions and state ceremonies, such as the award of decorations to Cuban personalities, in an attempt by the regime to project continuity and control in light of the worsening economic and social crisis on the island.
In 2023, he also participated in the military exercise Baraguá, conducted by the Ministry of the Interior, where he appeared in military uniform alongside Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero. That reappearance was interpreted as a gesture to strengthen the image of institutional strength in light of potential scenarios of internal protest.
Castro has been used at key moments as a symbol of unity for the Communist Party. In April 2022, he placed the pioneer scarf on Díaz-Canel's grandson during a school event, and a month later he received a visit from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who stated that the former leader “is part of history.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Raúl Castro's Reappearance at Public Events
Why has Raúl Castro's public presence in Cuba increased?
Raúl Castro has increased his public appearances as part of a strategy by the Cuban regime to reinforce the legitimacy and stability of Miguel Díaz-Canel's government. In a context of economic crisis and social discontent, Castro's figure is used to project an image of continuity and historical support for the current leadership.
What does Raúl Castro's presence at diplomatic events symbolize?
The presence of Raúl Castro at diplomatic events serves as a symbol of unity and continuity of the Cuban regime. Despite his formal retirement, Castro continues to be a historical reference used to legitimize the current government in times of political weakness and international pressure.
What is Raúl Castro's role in the current political context of Cuba?
Raúl Castro maintains a symbolic and supportive role in the current political context of Cuba, despite not holding official positions. His presence at public and military events aims to strengthen the image of continuity and control of the regime, at a time when the government faces significant economic and social challenges.
How does Raúl Castro's figure influence the legitimacy of Díaz-Canel's government?
The figure of Raúl Castro is used to bolster the legitimacy of Díaz-Canel's government, which has seen its popularity decline due to the economic and social crisis. Castro represents a connection to the "historic generation" of the Revolution, which the regime exploits in an attempt to consolidate support for its current leadership.
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