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Ricardo Cabrisas Ruíz, vice-prime minister of the Cuban regime, passed away this Tuesday at the age of 88, as confirmed by Miguel Díaz-Canel in a message posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
"Very sad news for #Cuba the passing of the beloved companion Ricardo Cabrisas Ruíz, an exemplary man who dedicated his entire life to the Revolution. Our deepest condolences and a strong hug go out to his family and friends during this difficult time," wrote the Cuban leader.
Born in Havana on January 21, 1937, Cabrisas had held the position of vice prime minister since 2019 and had served for decades in senior roles within the state and diplomatic apparatus.
He served as Minister of Foreign Trade from 1980 to 2000, Vice President of the Council of Ministers from 2008 to 2019, and Minister of Economy and Planning from 2016 to 2018.
In 2024, they replaced the Minister of Foreign Trade, and in January, he participated in the negotiations for the refinancing of Cuba's debt with the Paris Club.
Throughout his career, he led intergovernmental commissions for economic and financial relations with several allied countries of Havana, establishing himself as one of the regime's key international negotiators.
Cabrisas was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and a deputy in the National Assembly of People's Power, as well as being active in official organizations such as the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and the Central Workers' Union of Cuba (CTC).
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.
The Cuban government has not provided details about the causes of death nor has it announced whether official funeral services will be held in Havana.
Frequently asked questions about the death of Ricardo Cabrisas and the political context in Cuba
Who was Ricardo Cabrisas and what was his influence on the Cuban regime?
Ricardo Cabrisas was a prominent Cuban politician who held high positions in the regime for decades. He served as Vice Prime Minister from 2019 until his passing in 2025 and played key roles as Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister of Economy and Planning. His influence extended to Cuba's international relations, leading economic commissions with allied countries.
What has been the impact of the recent deaths of key figures in the Cuban regime?
In recent months, several important figures of the Cuban regime have passed away, such as Ricardo Cabrisas, Abelardo Moreno, and Abraham Maciques. These deaths underscore a generational transition in the leadership of the regime, but they also highlight the lack of renewal in the political elite, which remains dominated by leaders who have been in power for decades.
What effect does the death of Ricardo Cabrisas have on the economic situation in Cuba?
The death of Ricardo Cabrisas could impact Cuba's international economic negotiations, as he was a key negotiator for the regime. His absence could complicate the management of the economic crisis facing the country, characterized by shortages of basic goods, a health system in collapse, and a devalued currency.
How is the Cuban regime responding to the current energy crisis?
The Cuban regime, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has attempted to address the energy crisis, although the situation remains precarious with prolonged blackouts and failures in the national electrical system. The lack of effective solutions has led to growing social discontent and criticism of the government, which continues to prioritize investments in sectors such as tourism, managed by the military conglomerate GAESA.
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