Raúl Castro: Influence in Retirement
Despite being 94 years old and lacking any official title, Raúl Castro continues to wield significant influence in Cuba. Experts highlight that his power remains strong, especially over the military sector. Known to have been involved in secret talks with the Trump administration concerning the ongoing dispute between Havana and Washington, Castro’s role remains crucial.
Reverently referred to as “the leader of the Cuban Revolution” by state media, Raúl Castro and his brother Fidel led the 1959 revolution that overthrew a U.S.-backed dictator. Although Raúl shows signs of frailty, such as poor hearing and speech challenges, he remains present at key events. His last public appearance was on May 1 during the International Workers’ Day parade, where he wore his military uniform.
Once recognized for his heavy drinking and preference for vodka, Raúl Castro has aged well. According to Alcibiades Hidalgo, his former chief of staff who defected to the U.S. in 2002, Castro’s enduring presence will continue to influence Cuba’s future.
While Fidel Castro, who died in 2016, was known for his charisma and leadership, Raúl was more reserved, focusing on the operations behind the scenes. Brian Latell, a former CIA analyst specializing in Cuba, described Raúl as the one handling the logistics and groundwork, contrasting with Fidel’s dramatic approach.
Following the revolution, Raúl was instrumental in establishing the Revolutionary Armed Forces, successfully defending against the Bay of Pigs invasion orchestrated by the CIA. When Cuba embraced communism in 1961, he played a vital role in organizing the Cuban Communist Party.
As Cuba’s defense minister, he developed GAESA, a vast military conglomerate that controls various businesses like hotels and gas stations. It stands as the most dominant economic entity in Cuba.
Considered a potential reformer at one point, Raúl Castro brought some economic changes, such as permitting Cubans to conduct real estate and vehicle transactions. In 2015, he reinstated diplomatic ties with the United States and hosted President Barack Obama in Havana the following year. However, he maintained the Communist Party’s rigid political dominance and preserved the repressive state security apparatus.