Former Cuban President Raúl Castro, 95, appeared on the country’s television this weekend, less than a month after being seen in public in Havana marking the centenary of the birth of his late brother, Fidel Castro.
The revolutionary leader was seen in an extensive report broadcast multiple times by state television over the weekend. Castro took part in the 65th-anniversary commemoration of a Ministry of the Interior unit responsible for the personal security of Cuban leaders—specifically that of Fidel Castro (1959–2006).
Accompanied by his grandson and head of his personal security detail, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Raúl Castro (2006–2018) congratulated several veterans of the unit, according to footage aired by state television. He appeared to be in good health and was wearing his signature olive-green uniform. Although Raúl Castro holds no official position in the government or the Party, he retains a significant role in political decision-making and commands the loyalty of the armed forces.
The Cuban Presidency announced in June that Raúl Castro had given his approval to a package of economic reforms aimed at addressing the crisis amid pressure from the United States.
These measures represent the most significant shift in the country’s model since Cuba adopted communism nearly 70 years ago.
In May, Raúl Castro was indicted by U.S. authorities in connection with the deaths of four U.S. citizens following the 1996 downing of two small planes belonging to an anti-Castro group. He was serving as Minister of Defense at the time.
