Politics of Cuba
Encyclopedia
Cuba
is constitutionally defined as a "socialist state
guided by the principles of José Martí
, and the political ideas of Marx
, the father of communist state
s, Engels
and Lenin
." The present Constitution
also ascribes the role of the Communist Party of Cuba
to be the "leading force of society and of the state".
Executive power
is exercised by the Cuban Government, which is represented by the Council of State
and the Council of Ministers
. Legislative power
is exercised through the unicameral
National Assembly of People's Power, which is constituted as the maximum authority of the state. Currently Raúl Castro
—brother of former President Fidel Castro
—is President of the Council of State
, President of the Council of Ministers (sometimes referred to as the Prime Minister
), First Secretary
of the Communist Party, and Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces
. Ricardo Alarcón is President of the National Assembly.
is exercised by the government. Until February 2008, Cuba
was led by President Fidel Castro
, who was Chief of State, Head of Government
, Prime Minister
, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC), and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. The Ministry of Interior is the principal organ of state security and control.
According to the Cuban Constitution
Article 94, the First Vice President of the Council of State assumes presidential duties upon the illness or death of the president. On July 31, 2006, during the 2006 Cuban transfer of duties, Fidel Castro delegated his duties as President of the Council of state
, first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party and the post of commander in chief of the armed forces to first Vice President Raúl Castro
.
, the National Assembly of People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular), which has 609 members, elected every five years and holds brief sessions to ratify decisions by executive branch. The National Assembly convenes twice a year in ordinary periods of sessions. It has, though, permanent commissions to look after issues of legislative interest. Among its permanent or temporary commissions are those in charge of issues concerning the economy, the sugar industry, food production, industries, transportation and communications, constructions, foreign affairs, public health, defense and interior order. The National Assembly also has permanent departments that oversee the work of the Commissions, Local Assemblies of the People's Power, International Relations, Judicial Affairs and the Administration.
Article #88(h) of the Constitution of Cuba
, adopted in 1976, provides for citizen proposals of law, prerequisite that the proposal be made by at least 10 000 citizens who are eligible to vote. In 2002 supporters of a movement known as the Varela Project
submitted a citizen proposal of law with 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. The Government response was to collect 8.1 million signatures to request that Cuba's National Assembly make the Socialist Constitution untouchable.
is the highest judicial body. The constitution states that all legally recognized civil liberties can be denied to anyone who opposes the decision of the Cuban people to build socialism. They rule on constitutional matters, and review final appeals from lower courts including all criminal, civil, administrative, labor law, and economic cases.
Superior Courts are at the next level. Every province has its own superior court. They decide which cases are able to pass to the Supreme Court. The Courts of First Instance is the court on all major criminal matters, civil cases, juvenile cases, administrative law, and labor law. Appeals are sent to the Superior Courts. The Courts of Peace rule on small claims and minor criminal offenses such as petty theft. They are not allowed to appeal to any higher court.
are a network of neighborhood organizations across Cuba
and most Cubans are members. The organizations are designed to put medical, educational or other campaigns into national effect, and to report "counter-revolutionary" activity. The CDR officials have the duty to know the activities of each person in their respective blocks. There is an individual file kept on.
The national elections for the 609 members of the National Assembly of People's Power are held according to this system, and the precepts of the 1976 Constitution
. From 1959 to 1976 there was no legislative branch. In 1992 the Constitution was reformed to allow direct vote to elect the members to the National Assembly, but the candidates are pre-screened by the Communist Party. There was only one candidate for each seat in the January 19th, 2003 election.
The system works as a stepping ladder: neighbors meet to propose the candidates to the Municipal Assemblies. The candidates do not present any political platform, but only their resumes. Then the municipal candidates elected in each neighborhood elect the Municipal Assembly members. The Municipal Assembly members in turn elect the Provincial Assembly members, who in turn elect the national Assembly members. Then direct vote is cast so the people can ratify or not the decanted members that appear in the final step.
From 1959 to 1992, the Cuban people were not afforded the right to vote for the members of the legislative power. The executive power is elected by the National Assembly. There is no vote for the President or the Prime Minister.
Political parties besides the Communist Party of Cuba
exist within the country legally since 1992. Nevertheless, the Constitutional reform of 1992 that granted their right to exist, at the same time denied their right to gather or publicize their existence, The most important of these are the Christian Democratic Party of Cuba
, the Cuban Socialist Democratic Current, the Democratic Social-Revolutionary Party of Cuba
, the Democratic Solidarity Party
, the Liberal Party of Cuba
and the Social Democratic Co-ordination of Cuba
.
. None of these parties are allowed to present any candidate to any elected position.
Cuba
's foreign policy has been scaled back and redirected as a result of economic hardship
after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Without massive Soviet subsidies and its primary trading
partner Cuba was comparatively isolated in the 1990s, but has since entered bilateral co-operation with several South American countries, most notably Venezuela
and Bolivia
. Cuba has normal diplomatic and economic relations with every country in the Western hemisphere except El Salvador and the United States. El Salvador, under the new government of Mauricio Funes, is expected to institute both in June, 2009.
The United States
continues an embargo "so long as it continues to refuse to move toward democratization and greater respect for human rights."
The European Union
accuses Cuba of "continuing flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms"
, but also "Reiterates its condemnation of the US embargo on Cuba, and calls for it to be lifted forthwith, as the UN General Assembly has repeatedly demanded."
Cuba has developed a growing relationship with the People's Republic of China
and Russia
. In all, Cuba continues to have formal relations with 160 nations, and provided civilian assistance workers – principally medical – in more than 20 nations. More than two million exiles have escaped to foreign countries. Cuba's present foreign minister
is Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla
.
came to power, the Cuba
n Government has been condemned by certain (mostly dissident) Cuban groups
, some international groups, and foreign governments for engaging in activities labeled by some as undemocratic. The United States Government has initiated various policy measures; these have been ostensibly designed to encourage Cuba to undertake political change towards a multi-party electoral system. These plans have been condemned by the Cuban Government, who accuses the United States of meddling in Cuba's affairs. The distinct nature of political participation in Cuba has also fostered discussion amongst political writers and philosophers. Varied conclusions have been drawn, some of these have led to Cuba being described as a dictatorship
, a totalitarian state, a grassroots democracy
, a centralized democracy
or a revolutionary democracy.
Cuba is the only "authoritarian regime" in the Americas
, according to the 2010 Democracy Index
. Cuba's extensive censorship system
was close to North Korea
on the 2008 Press Freedom Index
. The media is operated under the Communist Party’s Department of Revolutionary Orientation, which "develops and coordinates propaganda
strategies". According to Maria Werlau, the extreme concentration of power to Castro family seems comparable in modern times only to that of North Korea
under the regimes of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.
, Castro constructed a "repressive machinery" which continues to deprive Cubans of their basic rights.
The Cuban government has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including torture
, arbitrary imprisonment, unfair trials, and extrajudicial executions (a.k.a. "El Paredón"). Human Rights Watch reports that the regime represses nearly all forms of political dissent. There are many restrictions on leaving the country.
Castro, the Castro regime institutionalized it; Castro's state-run monopolies, cronyism, and lack of accountability turned Cuba
into one of the world's most corrupt states. As in other former socialist countries, few citizens hesitate to steal from the government when given opportunity. Since the vast majority of people are in state jobs and the state makes up much of the economy petty crime is widespread.
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...
is constitutionally defined as a "socialist state
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
guided by the principles of José Martí
José Martí
José Julián Martí Pérez was a Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. In his short life he was a poet, an essayist, a journalist, a revolutionary philosopher, a translator, a professor, a publisher, and a political theorist. He was also a part of the Cuban...
, and the political ideas of Marx
Karl Marx
Karl Heinrich Marx was a German philosopher, economist, sociologist, historian, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. His ideas played a significant role in the development of social science and the socialist political movement...
, the father of communist state
Communist state
A communist state is a state with a form of government characterized by single-party rule or dominant-party rule of a communist party and a professed allegiance to a Leninist or Marxist-Leninist communist ideology as the guiding principle of the state...
s, Engels
Friedrich Engels
Friedrich Engels was a German industrialist, social scientist, author, political theorist, philosopher, and father of Marxist theory, alongside Karl Marx. In 1845 he published The Condition of the Working Class in England, based on personal observations and research...
and Lenin
Vladimir Lenin
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was a Russian Marxist revolutionary and communist politician who led the October Revolution of 1917. As leader of the Bolsheviks, he headed the Soviet state during its initial years , as it fought to establish control of Russia in the Russian Civil War and worked to create a...
." The present Constitution
Constitution of Cuba
Since attaining its independence from Spain, Cuba has had five constitutions. The current constitution was drafted in 1976 and has since been amended.-1901 Constitution:The 1901 Constitution was Cuba's first as an independent state...
also ascribes the role of the Communist Party of Cuba
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"...
to be the "leading force of society and of the state".
Executive power
Executive (government)
Executive branch of Government is the part of government that has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state bureaucracy. The division of power into separate branches of government is central to the idea of the separation of powers.In many countries, the term...
is exercised by the Cuban Government, which is represented by the Council of State
Council of State of Cuba
The Council of State of Cuba is a 31-member body of the government of Cuba, elected by the National Assembly of People’s Power. It has the authority to exercise most legislative power between sessions of the National Assembly of People’s Power, subject to its approval, and to call the National...
and the Council of Ministers
Council of Ministers of Cuba
The Cabinet of Cuba is the highest ranking executive and administrative body of the Republic of Cuba, and constitutes the nation's government...
. Legislative power
Legislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
is exercised through the unicameral
Unicameralism
In government, unicameralism is the practice of having one legislative or parliamentary chamber. Thus, a unicameral parliament or unicameral legislature is a legislature which consists of one chamber or house...
National Assembly of People's Power, which is constituted as the maximum authority of the state. Currently Raúl Castro
Raúl Castro
Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz is a Cuban politician and revolutionary who has been President of the Council of State of Cuba and the President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba since 2008; he previously exercised presidential powers in an acting capacity from 2006 to 2008...
—brother of former President 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...
—is President of the Council of State
President of Cuba
--209.174.31.28 18:43, 22 November 2011 The President of Cuba is the Head of state of Cuba. According to the Cuban Constitution of 1976, the President is the chief executive of the Council of State of Cuba...
, President of the Council of Ministers (sometimes referred to as the 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....
), First Secretary
General Secretary
The office of general secretary is staffed by the chief officer of:*The General Secretariat for Macedonia and Thrace, a government agency for the Greek regions of Macedonia and Thrace...
of the Communist Party, and Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces
Military of Cuba
The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces consist of ground forces, naval forces, air and air defence forces, and other paramilitary bodies including the Territorial Troops Militia , Revolutionary Armed Forces , and Youth Labor Army .The armed forces has long been the...
. Ricardo Alarcón is President of the National Assembly.
Executive
Executive powerExecutive Power
Executive Power is Vince Flynn's fifth novel, and the fourth to feature Mitch Rapp, an American agent that works for the CIA as an operative for a covert counter terrorism unit called the "Orion Team."-Plot summary:...
is exercised by the government. Until February 2008, 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...
was led by President 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...
, who was Chief of State, Head of Government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
, Prime Minister
Prime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC), and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. The Ministry of Interior is the principal organ of state security and control.
According to the Cuban Constitution
Constitution of Cuba
Since attaining its independence from Spain, Cuba has had five constitutions. The current constitution was drafted in 1976 and has since been amended.-1901 Constitution:The 1901 Constitution was Cuba's first as an independent state...
Article 94, the First Vice President of the Council of State assumes presidential duties upon the illness or death of the president. On July 31, 2006, during the 2006 Cuban transfer of duties, Fidel Castro delegated his duties as President of the Council of state
Council of State of Cuba
The Council of State of Cuba is a 31-member body of the government of Cuba, elected by the National Assembly of People’s Power. It has the authority to exercise most legislative power between sessions of the National Assembly of People’s Power, subject to its approval, and to call the National...
, first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party and the post of commander in chief of the armed forces to first Vice President Raúl Castro
Raúl Castro
Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz is a Cuban politician and revolutionary who has been President of the Council of State of Cuba and the President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba since 2008; he previously exercised presidential powers in an acting capacity from 2006 to 2008...
.
Legislature
Cuba has an elected national legislatureLegislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
, the National Assembly of People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular), which has 609 members, elected every five years and holds brief sessions to ratify decisions by executive branch. The National Assembly convenes twice a year in ordinary periods of sessions. It has, though, permanent commissions to look after issues of legislative interest. Among its permanent or temporary commissions are those in charge of issues concerning the economy, the sugar industry, food production, industries, transportation and communications, constructions, foreign affairs, public health, defense and interior order. The National Assembly also has permanent departments that oversee the work of the Commissions, Local Assemblies of the People's Power, International Relations, Judicial Affairs and the Administration.
Constitution of Cuba
Since attaining its independence from Spain, Cuba has had five constitutions. The current constitution was drafted in 1976 and has since been amended.-1901 Constitution:The 1901 Constitution was Cuba's first as an independent state...
, adopted in 1976, provides for citizen proposals of law, prerequisite that the proposal be made by at least 10 000 citizens who are eligible to vote. In 2002 supporters of a movement known as the Varela Project
Varela Project
The Varela Project is a project that was started in 1998 by Oswaldo Payá of the Christian Liberation Movement and named after Felix Varela, a Cuban religious leader...
submitted a citizen proposal of law with 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. The Government response was to collect 8.1 million signatures to request that Cuba's National Assembly make the Socialist Constitution untouchable.
Judiciary
The People's Supreme CourtSupreme Court of Cuba
The People's Supreme Court is the highest body of judicial power in Cuba. It is elected by, and accountable to, the National Assembly of People’s Power...
is the highest judicial body. The constitution states that all legally recognized civil liberties can be denied to anyone who opposes the decision of the Cuban people to build socialism. They rule on constitutional matters, and review final appeals from lower courts including all criminal, civil, administrative, labor law, and economic cases.
Superior Courts are at the next level. Every province has its own superior court. They decide which cases are able to pass to the Supreme Court. The Courts of First Instance is the court on all major criminal matters, civil cases, juvenile cases, administrative law, and labor law. Appeals are sent to the Superior Courts. The Courts of Peace rule on small claims and minor criminal offenses such as petty theft. They are not allowed to appeal to any higher court.
Committees for the Defense of the Revolution
The Committees for the Defense of the RevolutionCommittees for the Defense of the Revolution
Committees for the Defense of the Revolution , or CDR, is a network of neighborhood committees across Cuba. The organizations, described as the "eyes and ears of the Revolution", exist to promote social welfare and report on "counter-revolutionary" activity...
are a network of neighborhood organizations across 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...
and most Cubans are members. The organizations are designed to put medical, educational or other campaigns into national effect, and to report "counter-revolutionary" activity. The CDR officials have the duty to know the activities of each person in their respective blocks. There is an individual file kept on.
Political parties and elections
Suffrage is afforded to Cuban citizens resident for two years on the island who are aged over sixteen years and who have not been found guilty of a criminal offense. Cubans living abroad are denied the right to vote.The national elections for the 609 members of the National Assembly of People's Power are held according to this system, and the precepts of the 1976 Constitution
Constitution of Cuba
Since attaining its independence from Spain, Cuba has had five constitutions. The current constitution was drafted in 1976 and has since been amended.-1901 Constitution:The 1901 Constitution was Cuba's first as an independent state...
. From 1959 to 1976 there was no legislative branch. In 1992 the Constitution was reformed to allow direct vote to elect the members to the National Assembly, but the candidates are pre-screened by the Communist Party. There was only one candidate for each seat in the January 19th, 2003 election.
The system works as a stepping ladder: neighbors meet to propose the candidates to the Municipal Assemblies. The candidates do not present any political platform, but only their resumes. Then the municipal candidates elected in each neighborhood elect the Municipal Assembly members. The Municipal Assembly members in turn elect the Provincial Assembly members, who in turn elect the national Assembly members. Then direct vote is cast so the people can ratify or not the decanted members that appear in the final step.
From 1959 to 1992, the Cuban people were not afforded the right to vote for the members of the legislative power. The executive power is elected by the National Assembly. There is no vote for the President or the Prime Minister.
Political parties besides the Communist Party of Cuba
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"...
exist within the country legally since 1992. Nevertheless, the Constitutional reform of 1992 that granted their right to exist, at the same time denied their right to gather or publicize their existence, The most important of these are the Christian Democratic Party of Cuba
Christian Democratic Party of Cuba
The Christian Democratic Party of Cuba is a Christian Democratic political party in Cuba. Although changes to the Cuban constitution in 1992 decriminalized the act of forming political parties other than the Communist Party of Cuba, these parties are not permitted to campaign or engage in any...
, the Cuban Socialist Democratic Current, the Democratic Social-Revolutionary Party of Cuba
Democratic Social-Revolutionary Party of Cuba
The Democratic Social-Revolutionary Party of Cuba is a democratic socialist political party in Cuba...
, the Democratic Solidarity Party
Democratic Solidarity Party
The Democratic Solidarity Party is a political liberal party in Cuba. Although changes to the Cuban constitution in 1992 decriminalized the right to form political parties other than the Communist Party of Cuba, these parties are not permitted to campaign or engage in any public political...
, the Liberal Party of Cuba
Liberal Democratic Party (Cuba)
The Liberal Party of Cuba was a major political party in Cuba from 1910 until the Cuban Revolution the late 1950s.-History:The party first contested elections in 1910, when it won 23 of the 41 seats in mid-term elections...
and the Social Democratic Co-ordination of Cuba
Social Democratic Co-ordination of Cuba
The Social Democratic Co-ordination of Cuba is an illegal political party in Cuba....
.
. None of these parties are allowed to present any candidate to any elected position.
Council of State
- President: Raúl Castro Ruz
- First Vice President: José Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado Ventura, M.D. is the First Vice-President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers in Cuba...
- Vice Presidents: Abelardo Colomé IbarraAbelardo Colomé IbarraCorps General Abelardo Colomé Ibarra is a Vice President of the Council of State of Cuba and the Cuban Minister of the Interior.He is a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba...
, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez , Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, Gladys María Bejerano Portena - Secretary: Homero Acosta Álvarez
Council of Ministers
- President: Raúl Castro Ruz
- First Vice President: José Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado Ventura, M.D. is the First Vice-President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers in Cuba...
- Vice Presidents: José Ramón Fernández Álvarez , Marino Alberto Murillo Jorge , Ulises Rosales del ToroUlises Rosales del ToroGeneral Ulises Rosales del Toro , is a Cuban politician. He is the former Cuban Minister of Agriculture .He serves in Cuba's Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba and he has served as chief of the general staff of the armed forces. He previously held the position of sugar minister...
, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruíz , Antonio Enrique Lussón BatlleAntonio Enrique Lussón BatlleAntonio Enrique Lussón Batlle , Cuban, born in Santiago de Cuba.His family was financially stable and he obtained a good education, but he was not able to finish high school due to economic problems. He then worked as a farmer, a "pequeño colono," a truck driver, and a peddler... - Minister of Interior: Abelardo Colomé IbarraAbelardo Colomé IbarraCorps General Abelardo Colomé Ibarra is a Vice President of the Council of State of Cuba and the Cuban Minister of the Interior.He is a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba...
- Minister of Armed Forces: Position Vacant
National Assembly of People's Power
- President: Ricardo Alarcón de QuesadaRicardo Alarcón de QuesadaRicardo Alarcón de Quesada is a Cuban statesman. He served as Cuba's Permanent Representative to the United Nations for nearly 30 years and later served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs, from 1992 to 1993...
- Vice President: Jaime Alberto Crombet Hernández-Baquero
- Secretary: Miriam Brito Sarroca
Communist Party of Cuba
- First Secretary: Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz
- Second Secretary: José Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado Ventura, M.D. is the First Vice-President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers in Cuba...
- Members of Politburo: Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz, José Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado Ventura, M.D. is the First Vice-President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers in Cuba...
, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, Abelardo Colomé IbarraAbelardo Colomé IbarraCorps General Abelardo Colomé Ibarra is a Vice President of the Council of State of Cuba and the Cuban Minister of the Interior.He is a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba...
, Esteban Lazo HernándezEsteban Lazo HernándezJuan Esteban Lazo Hernández is a vice-president of the Cuban Council of State and a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.- References :...
, Ricardo Alarcón de QuesadaRicardo Alarcón de QuesadaRicardo Alarcón de Quesada is a Cuban statesman. He served as Cuba's Permanent Representative to the United Nations for nearly 30 years and later served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs, from 1992 to 1993...
, Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, Leopoldo Cintra Frías, Ramón Espinosa Martín, Álvaro Lopez Miera, Salvador Valdés Mesa, Mercedes López Acea, Marino Murillo JorgeMarino Murillo JorgeMarino Alberto Murillo Jorge is a Cuban politician, economist and former military officer. He received national media attention in 2009 on his appointment as Minister of Planning and Economy following the government shake-up announced by Raúl Castro on 2 March 2009...
, Adel Yzquierdo Rodríguez. - Members of Secretariat: José Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado VenturaJosé Ramón Machado Ventura, M.D. is the First Vice-President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers in Cuba...
, Esteban Lazo HernándezEsteban Lazo HernándezJuan Esteban Lazo Hernández is a vice-president of the Cuban Council of State and a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.- References :...
, Abelardo Álvarez Gil, José Ramón Balaguer CabreraJosé Ramón Balaguer CabreraJosé Ramón Balaguer Cabrera was the Minister for Health in Cuba until July 2010.. He is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba and a member of the Council of State of Cuba...
, Víctor Gaute López, Olga Lidia Tapia Iglesias.
Foreign relations
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...
's foreign policy has been scaled back and redirected as a result of economic hardship
Economy of Cuba
The economy of Cuba is a largely centrally planned economy dominated by state-run enterprises overseen by the Cuban government, though there remains significant foreign investment and private enterprise in Cuba...
after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Without massive Soviet subsidies and its primary trading
Trade
Trade is the transfer of ownership of goods and services from one person or entity to another. Trade is sometimes loosely called commerce or financial transaction or barter. A network that allows trade is called a market. The original form of trade was barter, the direct exchange of goods and...
partner Cuba was comparatively isolated in the 1990s, but has since entered bilateral co-operation with several South American countries, most notably Venezuela
Venezuela
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...
and Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
. Cuba has normal diplomatic and economic relations with every country in the Western hemisphere except El Salvador and the United States. El Salvador, under the new government of Mauricio Funes, is expected to institute both in June, 2009.
The United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
continues an embargo "so long as it continues to refuse to move toward democratization and greater respect for human rights."
The European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
accuses Cuba of "continuing flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms"
Human rights in Cuba
Human Rights Watch is among international human rights organizations accusing the Cuban government of systematic human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary imprisonment, unfair trials, and extrajudicial execution....
, but also "Reiterates its condemnation of the US embargo on Cuba, and calls for it to be lifted forthwith, as the UN General Assembly has repeatedly demanded."
Cuba has developed a growing relationship with the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
. In all, Cuba continues to have formal relations with 160 nations, and provided civilian assistance workers – principally medical – in more than 20 nations. More than two million exiles have escaped to foreign countries. Cuba's present foreign minister
Foreign minister
A Minister of Foreign Affairs, or foreign minister, is a cabinet minister who helps form the foreign policy of a sovereign state. The foreign minister is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government . It is often granted to the deputy prime minister in...
is Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla
Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla
Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla is a Cuban diplomat and politician. He is presently the Foreign Minister of Cuba. He was his country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1995 to 2003. Rodríguez Parrilla was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs on March 2, 2009, replacing...
.
Democracy
Since the time Fidel CastroFidel 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...
came to power, the 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 Government has been condemned by certain (mostly dissident) Cuban groups
Opposition to Fidel Castro
The Cuban dissident movement is a political movement in Cuba whose aim is "to replace the current regime with a more democratic form of government". According to Human Rights Watch, the Cuban government represses nearly all forms of political dissent....
, some international groups, and foreign governments for engaging in activities labeled by some as undemocratic. The United States Government has initiated various policy measures; these have been ostensibly designed to encourage Cuba to undertake political change towards a multi-party electoral system. These plans have been condemned by the Cuban Government, who accuses the United States of meddling in Cuba's affairs. The distinct nature of political participation in Cuba has also fostered discussion amongst political writers and philosophers. Varied conclusions have been drawn, some of these have led to Cuba being described as a dictatorship
Dictatorship
A dictatorship is defined as an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by an individual, the dictator. It has three possible meanings:...
, a totalitarian state, a grassroots democracy
Grassroots democracy
Grassroots democracy is a tendency towards designing political processes where as much decision-making authority as practical is shifted to the organization's lowest geographic level of organization: principle of subsidiarity....
, a centralized democracy
Soviet democracy
Soviet democracy or sometimes council democracy is a form of democracy in which workers' councils called "soviets" , consisting of worker-elected delegates, form organs of power possessing both legislative and executive power. The soviets begin at the local level and onto a national parliament-like...
or a revolutionary democracy.
Cuba is the only "authoritarian regime" in the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
, according to the 2010 Democracy Index
Democracy Index
The Democracy Index is an index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit that claims to measure the state of democracy in 167 countries, of which 166 are sovereign states and 165 are UN member states...
. Cuba's extensive censorship system
Censorship in Cuba
Censorship in Cuba has been reported on extensively, and resulted in European Union sanctions as well as statements of protest from groups, governments, and noted individuals....
was close to North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
on the 2008 Press Freedom Index
Press Freedom Index
The Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders based upon the organization's assessment of their press freedom records. Small countries, such as Andorra, are excluded from this report...
. The media is operated under the Communist Party’s Department of Revolutionary Orientation, which "develops and coordinates propaganda
Communist propaganda
Communist propaganda is propaganda aimed to advance the ideology of communism, communist worldview and interests of the communist movement.A Bolshevik theoretician, Nikolai Bukharin, in his The ABC of Communism wrote:...
strategies". According to Maria Werlau, the extreme concentration of power to Castro family seems comparable in modern times only to that of North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
under the regimes of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.
Human rights
According to Human Rights WatchHuman Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City and it has offices in Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo,...
, Castro constructed a "repressive machinery" which continues to deprive Cubans of their basic rights.
The Cuban government has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including torture
Torture
Torture is the act of inflicting severe pain as a means of punishment, revenge, forcing information or a confession, or simply as an act of cruelty. Throughout history, torture has often been used as a method of political re-education, interrogation, punishment, and coercion...
, arbitrary imprisonment, unfair trials, and extrajudicial executions (a.k.a. "El Paredón"). Human Rights Watch reports that the regime represses nearly all forms of political dissent. There are many restrictions on leaving the country.
Corruption
In their book, Corruption in Cuba, Sergio Diaz-Briquets and Jorge F. Pérez-López state that while corruption existed before FidelCastro, the Castro regime institutionalized it; Castro's state-run monopolies, cronyism, and lack of accountability turned 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...
into one of the world's most corrupt states. As in other former socialist countries, few citizens hesitate to steal from the government when given opportunity. Since the vast majority of people are in state jobs and the state makes up much of the economy petty crime is widespread.
Further reading
- Erikson, Daniel P. (2005). "Charting Castro's Possible Successors". SAIS Review 25.1, 89–103.
- Evenson, Debra (1994). Revolution in the balance: Law and society in contemporary Cuba. Westview Press, Boulder. ISBN 0-8133-8466-4.