Manuel Urrutia Lleó
Encyclopedia
Manuel Urrutia Lleó was a liberal
Cuba
n lawyer and politician. Urrutia campaigned against the Gerardo Machado
government and the second presidency of Fulgencio Batista
during the 1950s, before serving as president in the first revolutionary government
of 1959. After only six months, Urrutia resigned his position due to a series of disputes with revolutionary leader Fidel Castro
and emigrated to the United States shortly after.
, and was the agreed choice of future president among Fidel Castro
's 26th of July Movement
as early as April 1958. In 1957 Urrutia had presided in court over a case in which members of the movement had been charged with "anti-government activities", ruling that the defendants had been acting within their rights. A year later, Urrutia visited the U.S. to gain support for the Cuban revolution, successfully lobbying for a halt of weapons shipments to Batista's forces. It was considered that the choice of Urrutia, an educated liberal and Christian, as president would be welcomed by the United States.
to take up residence in the presidential palace
. Urrutia's new revolutionary government consisted largely of Cuban political veterans and pro-business liberals including José Miró
, who was appointed as Urrutia's prime minister
.
Once in power, Urrutia swiftly began a program of closing all brothels, gambling outlets and the national lottery
, arguing that these had long been a corrupting influence on the state. The measures drew immediate resistance from the large associated workforce. The disapproving Castro, then commander of Cuba's new armed forces, intervened to request a stay of execution until alternative employment could be found.
Disagreements also arose in the new government concerning pay cuts which were imposed on all public officials on Castro's demand. The disputed cuts included a reduction of the $100,000 a year presidential salary Urrutia had inherited from Batista. By February Castro had assumed the role of prime minister following the surprise resignation of Miró, strengthening his power and rendering Urrutia increasingly a figurehead president. As Urrutia's participation in the legislative process declined, other unresolved disputes between the two leaders continued to fester. Urrutia's belief in the restoration of elections was rejected by Castro, who felt that they would usher in a return to the old discredited system of corrupt parties and fraudulent balloting which marked the Batista era.
Urrutia was then accused by the Avance newspaper of buying a luxury villa, which was portrayed as a frivolous betrayal of the revolution and led to an outcry from the general public. Urrutia denied the allegation issuing a writ against the newspaper in response. The story further increased tensions between the various factions in the government, though Urrutia asserted publicly that he had "absolutely no disagreements" with Fidel Castro
. Urrutia attempted to distance the Cuban government (including Castro) from the growing influence of the Communists
within the administration, making a series of critical public comments against the latter group. Whilst Castro had not openly declared any affiliation with the Cuban communists, Urrutia had been a declared anti-Communist since they had refused to support the insurrection against Batista, stating in an interview, "If the Cuban people had heeded those words, we would still have Batista with us ... and all those other war criminals who are now running away".
in protest, but later that day appeared on television to deliver a lengthy denouncement of Urrutia, claiming that Urrutia "complicated" government, and that his "fevered anti-Communism" was having a detrimental effect. Castro's sentiments received widespread support as organized crowds surrounded the presidential palace demanding Urrutia's resignation, which was duly received. On July 23, Castro resumed his position as premier and appointed Osvaldo Dorticós
as the new president.
before settling in Queens, New York, United States
. Urrutia worked as a high school Spanish teacher until his death in 1981.
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n lawyer and politician. Urrutia campaigned against the Gerardo Machado
Gerardo Machado
Gerardo Machado y Morales was President of Cuba and a general of the Cuban War of Independence...
government and the second presidency of Fulgencio Batista
Fulgencio Batista
Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar was the United States-aligned Cuban President, dictator and military leader who served as the leader of Cuba from 1933 to 1944 and from 1952 to 1959, before being overthrown as a result of the Cuban Revolution....
during the 1950s, before serving as president in the first revolutionary government
Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution was an armed revolt by Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement against the regime of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista between 1953 and 1959. Batista was finally ousted on 1 January 1959, and was replaced by a revolutionary government led by Castro...
of 1959. After only six months, Urrutia resigned his position due to a series of disputes with revolutionary leader Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
and emigrated to the United States shortly after.
Role in the Cuban revolution
Urrutia was a leading figure in the civic resistance movement against Batista's government during the Cuban RevolutionCuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution was an armed revolt by Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement against the regime of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista between 1953 and 1959. Batista was finally ousted on 1 January 1959, and was replaced by a revolutionary government led by Castro...
, and was the agreed choice of future president among Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
's 26th of July Movement
26th of July Movement
The 26th of July Movement was the revolutionary organization planned and led by Fidel Castro that in 1959 overthrew the Fulgencio Batista government in Cuba...
as early as April 1958. In 1957 Urrutia had presided in court over a case in which members of the movement had been charged with "anti-government activities", ruling that the defendants had been acting within their rights. A year later, Urrutia visited the U.S. to gain support for the Cuban revolution, successfully lobbying for a halt of weapons shipments to Batista's forces. It was considered that the choice of Urrutia, an educated liberal and Christian, as president would be welcomed by the United States.
Presidency
The Cuban Revolution gained victory on January 1, 1959, and Urrutia returned from exile in VenezuelaVenezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
to take up residence in the presidential palace
Museum of the Revolution
The Museum of the Revolution is a museum located in the Old Havana section of Havana, Cuba. The museum is housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista...
. Urrutia's new revolutionary government consisted largely of Cuban political veterans and pro-business liberals including José Miró
José Miró Cardona
José Miró Cardona was a Cuban politician. He served as Prime Minister for a period of some six weeks in early 1959, following his appointment by President Manuel Urrutia on January 5, 1959...
, who was appointed as Urrutia's prime minister
Prime Minister of Cuba
Prime Minister of Cuba was a position in the government of Cuba. Fidel Castro assumed the position of Prime Minister in 1959 replacing José Miró Cardona....
.
Once in power, Urrutia swiftly began a program of closing all brothels, gambling outlets and the national lottery
Lottery
A lottery is a form of gambling which involves the drawing of lots for a prize.Lottery is outlawed by some governments, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national or state lottery. It is common to find some degree of regulation of lottery by governments...
, arguing that these had long been a corrupting influence on the state. The measures drew immediate resistance from the large associated workforce. The disapproving Castro, then commander of Cuba's new armed forces, intervened to request a stay of execution until alternative employment could be found.
Disagreements also arose in the new government concerning pay cuts which were imposed on all public officials on Castro's demand. The disputed cuts included a reduction of the $100,000 a year presidential salary Urrutia had inherited from Batista. By February Castro had assumed the role of prime minister following the surprise resignation of Miró, strengthening his power and rendering Urrutia increasingly a figurehead president. As Urrutia's participation in the legislative process declined, other unresolved disputes between the two leaders continued to fester. Urrutia's belief in the restoration of elections was rejected by Castro, who felt that they would usher in a return to the old discredited system of corrupt parties and fraudulent balloting which marked the Batista era.
Urrutia was then accused by the Avance newspaper of buying a luxury villa, which was portrayed as a frivolous betrayal of the revolution and led to an outcry from the general public. Urrutia denied the allegation issuing a writ against the newspaper in response. The story further increased tensions between the various factions in the government, though Urrutia asserted publicly that he had "absolutely no disagreements" with Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
. Urrutia attempted to distance the Cuban government (including Castro) from the growing influence of the Communists
Communist Party of Cuba
The Communist Party of Cuba is the governing political party in Cuba. It is a communist party of the Marxist-Leninist model. The Cuban constitution ascribes the role of the Party to be the "leading force of society and of the state"...
within the administration, making a series of critical public comments against the latter group. Whilst Castro had not openly declared any affiliation with the Cuban communists, Urrutia had been a declared anti-Communist since they had refused to support the insurrection against Batista, stating in an interview, "If the Cuban people had heeded those words, we would still have Batista with us ... and all those other war criminals who are now running away".
Cuban Revolutionary Government Cabinet, January 1959
- Prime Minister : José Miró CardonaJosé Miró CardonaJosé Miró Cardona was a Cuban politician. He served as Prime Minister for a period of some six weeks in early 1959, following his appointment by President Manuel Urrutia on January 5, 1959...
- Minister of State: Roberto AgramonteRoberto AgramonteDr. Roberto Agramonte was a philosopher and Cuban politician....
- Minister of the Treasury: Raúl ChibásRaúl ChibásRaúl Chibás Rivas was a Cuban politician and military officer who initially supported Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution but later defected to the United States. Born in Santiago de Cuba, Chibás spent his childhood in Havana and attended the University of Havana...
- Minister of Justice: Ángel Fernández Rodríguez
- Minister of Health: Julio Martínez Páez
- Minister of Commerce: Raul Cepero Bonilla
- Minister of Labor: Manuel Fernández García
- Minister of Education: Armando HartArmando HartArmando Hart Dávalos is a Cuban politician and a Communist leader. His grandfather was born in Georgia, USA and emigrated to Cuba as a child....
- Minister of Government: Luis Orlando Rodríguez (Cuban)
- Minister of Public Works: Manuel Ray Rivero
- Minister of Agriculture: Humberto Sorí MarinHumberto Sorí MarinHumberto Sori Marin was a Cuban revolutionary. He was a 26th of July Movement comandante, Judge Advocate General of the Cuban rebel army, Cuban Minister of Agriculture, author of the Agrarian Reform Laws of Cuba and Chief Judge in the 1959 War Crimes Trials of Havana.-References:* The New York...
- Minister of Recuperation of Misappropriated Goods: Faustino Pérez Hernández
- Minister of National Defense: Augusto R. Martínez Sánchez
- Minister of Communications: Enrique Oltuski Ozacki
- Minister of Social Welfare: Elena Mederos Cabanas
- Minister of National Economic Council: Regino Boti Leon
- President of the National Bank of Cuba: Felipe Pazos Roque
- Secretary to the President and Council of Ministers: Luis M. Buch Rodríguez
- Chief of the Navy: Gasper Brooks Avella
- Army Chief of Staff: Colonel Jose M. Rego Rubido
- National Police Chief: Efigenio AmeijeirasEfigenio AmeijeirasEfigenio Ameijeiras Delgado , was an enthusiastic supporter of Fidel Castro from the 1950s through to the 21st century....
- President of the Supreme Court: Emilio Menéndez Menéndez
- Supreme Court Prosecutor: Felipe Luaces Sebrago
- Ambassador to the United States: Ernesto DihigoErnesto DihigoErnesto Dihigo y Lopez Trigo was a prominent Cuban jurist, diplomat, and professor. He served as the Cuban Foreign Minister during the administration of the presidency of Carlos Prio Socarras...
- Delegate General of the President to the Armed Forces and the Maximum Leader of the 26 of July Movement: Fidel CastroFidel CastroFidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
Resignation
On July 17, 1959, Conrado Bécquer, the sugar workers' leader demanded Urrutia's resignation. Castro himself resigned as Prime Minister of CubaPrime Minister of Cuba
Prime Minister of Cuba was a position in the government of Cuba. Fidel Castro assumed the position of Prime Minister in 1959 replacing José Miró Cardona....
in protest, but later that day appeared on television to deliver a lengthy denouncement of Urrutia, claiming that Urrutia "complicated" government, and that his "fevered anti-Communism" was having a detrimental effect. Castro's sentiments received widespread support as organized crowds surrounded the presidential palace demanding Urrutia's resignation, which was duly received. On July 23, Castro resumed his position as premier and appointed Osvaldo Dorticós
Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado
Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado was a Cuban politician who served as the President of Cuba from July 17, 1959 until December 2, 1976.-Background:...
as the new president.
After Cuba
After leaving his post Urrutia sought asylum in the embassy of VenezuelaVenezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
before settling in Queens, New York, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Urrutia worked as a high school Spanish teacher until his death in 1981.