Who is the Castro Great-Nephew Rising in Cuba's Economic Hierarchy?

Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, an electronics engineer and great-nephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro, has been appointed as Cuba's Deputy Prime Minister, following a decision by the Council of State confirmed this week. This appointment underscores the growing influence of the Castro family and their 'heirs' within the highest echelons of political and economic power in the so-called 'continuity' government, ostensibly led by Miguel Díaz-Canel. Many observers view Díaz-Canel as a puppet of the 'famiglia,' increasingly likely to be replaced by the regime's inner circle.

The Journey from Technician to Minister

In addition to his new responsibilities, Pérez-Oliva Fraga remains the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX), a position he took over in May 2024 after more than 15 years in foreign trade and the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZED Mariel). Previously, he served as director of state companies and the first deputy minister of the same MINCEX. As the Business Evaluation Director at ZED Mariel, he operated under the late General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja, the former son-in-law of Raúl Castro and a pivotal figure in the shadowy finances and corruption of a family that has ruled Cuba for over 60 years.

A graduate of the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE), Pérez-Oliva Fraga is officially described as a "disciplined cadre with mastery of international economic relations," although his political rise has been rapid, even by Cuban bureaucratic standards.

Family Legacy

Pérez-Oliva Fraga's ancestry has greatly influenced his career path. He is the son of Mirsa Fraga Castro, the grandson of Ángela Castro, sister to the late dictator and the now-retired nonagenarian army general. Simply put, he belongs to the third direct generation of the Castro-Ruz lineage, a name that continues to define the hierarchy of Cuba's elite more than six decades after the so-called 'revolution' triumphed.

With his promotion, the family's influence extends to the most strategic economic sectors of the nation: foreign investments, international trade, and currency management, critical areas amidst Cuba's ongoing structural crisis.

Continuity Over Renewal

Pérez-Oliva Fraga's rise aligns with Díaz-Canel's narrative of 'generational succession,' a propaganda effort that in practice fortifies familial and military power continuity. This promotion comes as the government attempts to revitalize foreign investment, although results have been negligible: the country remains ensnared in a web of liquidity shortages, international distrust, skepticism towards national entrepreneurs and investors, and a paralyzing bureaucracy.

Clouded Management

During his tenure at MINCEX, Pérez-Oliva Fraga has pushed an optimistic narrative about the 'portfolio of opportunities' for investors, yet has failed to provide concrete figures on realized projects. Independent business sources describe a ministry focused more on foreign currency acquisition, remaining opaque and ineffective in executing and attracting direct foreign investment.

The new Deputy Prime Minister faces the challenge of drawing capital to a recession-hit economy, all while upholding the tenets of socialism. His political future hinges on this balancing act: a technocrat of 'distinguished lineage' tasked with convincing foreign investors that Cuba can offer assurances... without ceasing to be the Cuba of the Castros.

The Indelible Castro Legacy

With this appointment, the shadow of the Castros becomes visibly entrenched in the governmental structure of the totalitarian regime once again. Though Raúl Castro remains officially retired, his influence endures in key appointments, and the promotion of a great-nephew reinforces the notion of a political dynasty unwilling to relinquish power.

Pérez-Oliva Fraga thus symbolizes the new face of an old system: youthful, technically skilled, and seemingly modern, yet bound by blood and loyalty to a decrepit elite that has ruled Cuba with an iron fist for over half a century.