The Cuban regime has made another strategic change within its ranks by announcing the removal of Lázaro Expósito Canto from the Central Committee of the Communist Party (PCC). This decision was revealed during the IX Plenary of the organization, which kicked off this Thursday in Havana.
Expósito Canto's political journey, especially his tenure as secretary in the provinces of Granma and Santiago de Cuba, was acknowledged by the Cuban communists. They praised his "unwavering dedication, sensitivity, ability to unite collective will, creativity, and loyalty," as reported in a brief statement by the state-run media outlet Cubadebate.
For over ten years, Expósito served as the first secretary of the PCC in Santiago de Cuba, where his leadership approach was both admired and criticized. Despite his popularity among many locals, a notable incident in March 2019 cast a shadow on his reputation. During this event, Olga Yaité Sauqué Medina, a mother of four facing dire housing conditions, kneeled before Expósito pleading for urgent intervention to prevent her home from collapsing.
Reports indicated that Expósito remained "motionless" and did not respond to her plea. Although his secretary assured that a commission would be dispatched to assess the situation, Sauqué Medina claims that no such team ever arrived.
In October 2021, Expósito Canto was relieved of his duties in the eastern region and replaced by José Ramón Monteagudo Ruiz. Official sources cited his extensive experience as the reason for assigning him new responsibilities.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced that Expósito would take on roles related to the legacy of Fidel Castro and the history of the Cuban Revolution in the eastern provinces.
Current Agenda of the PCC's IX Plenary
The IX Plenary of the PCC, scheduled for December 12 and 13, aims to review the implementation of their agreements, receive the Political Bureau's report, and assess government plans to rectify discrepancies and boost the economy, as reported by Cubadebate.
Additionally, the sessions will consider the proposal for the 2025 State Budget and Economic Plan, address the needs of both state and non-state economic actors, and evaluate negative trends and deviations within Cuban society, along with respective action plans.
Key Insights into the Cuban Communist Party's Decisions
Why was Lázaro Expósito removed from the Central Committee?
The removal of Lázaro Expósito from the Central Committee was part of strategic changes within the Communist Party, acknowledging his political career but moving him to other duties due to his extensive experience.
What were Lázaro Expósito's new responsibilities?
Lázaro Expósito was tasked with responsibilities related to the legacy of Fidel Castro and the history of the Cuban Revolution in the eastern provinces.
What are the key topics for the IX Plenary of the PCC?
The IX Plenary will focus on reviewing past agreements, assessing government strategies to correct economic issues, and evaluating the proposal for the 2025 State Budget and Economic Plan, among other topics.