In a surprising shake-up that highlights the instability within Cuba's communist regime, Miguel Díaz-Canel announced a series of significant changes on Thursday affecting the nation's judicial and political hierarchy. This comes amidst growing public dissatisfaction and a crisis of internal legitimacy.
During a session of the Council of State, Díaz-Canel revealed that the seasoned judge Rubén Remigio Ferro was "relieved of his duties" as president of the People's Supreme Court, Cuba's highest judicial authority. Replacing him will be Óscar Silvera Martínez, the current Minister of Justice.
Remigio Ferro's tenure has been overshadowed by the lavish lifestyle of his son, Rubén Remigio, who has frequently appeared in reports showcasing his extravagant lifestyle, starkly contrasting with the regime's preached austerity.
Social media and digital platforms have chronicled the younger Remigio's penchant for expensive accessories, sporting brands like Nike, Lacoste, and Louis Vuitton, and traveling to destinations such as Paris, London, Cancun, and Buenos Aires with his partner.
Corruption and Disconnect Among Cuba's Elite
The stark disparity between the populace's hardships and the opulence enjoyed by children of high-ranking officials has become emblematic of the rampant corruption and moral disconnect among Cuba's judicial and political elites. This likely influenced Ferro's "relief" from his position.
The regime presented these changes as part of a supposed "natural renewal" process, though it appears to be a strategic reshuffle within the Communist Party.
According to a report from Cubadebate, Rosabel Gamón Verde, who has served as the first vice minister, has been nominated to succeed Silvera as Minister of Justice. If confirmed, she would be one of the few women leading a ministry in the current cabinet.
Wave of Resignations in the Political Apparatus
Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), also announced the resignations of three key figures within the political establishment:
- Homero Acosta Ávila, Secretary of the Council of State and a trusted ally of Raúl Castro.
- Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, former Secretary-General of the Central Workers' Union of Cuba (CTC).
- Ricardo Rodríguez González, former president of the University Student Federation (FEU).
The official note stated that only the resignations of Guilarte and Rodríguez have been accepted. Acosta's resignation remains unconfirmed, fueling speculation about possible internal tensions among power factions.
Aftermath of Digital Uproar and Leadership Crisis
Ricardo Rodríguez González's departure follows an unprecedented digital uproar in June after he publicly supported Díaz-Canel and the state-run ETECSA amid rising phone and internet rates.
Thousands of students and citizens reacted with outrage, flooding social media with the slogan "He does not represent us," openly rejecting his leadership and the political servility of the FEU. For many, Rodríguez's fall symbolizes the rift between Cuba's new generations and official institutions.
The End of Guilarte's Era and Union Crisis
Guilarte de Nacimiento, who officially stepped down in August after a 12-year tenure at CTC, now formalized his resignation as a deputy. Under his leadership, the Central Workers' Union was accused of being a compliant arm of the Communist Party, lacking independence and genuine defense of labor rights.
Colina Rodríguez's assumption of the CTC leadership has not inspired hope among workers, who view it as "more of the same." Guilarte's resignation marks the end of an era where socialist unionism deepened its historical disconnect with workers.
Strategic Shifts as Cuba Faces Crisis
These developments occur against a backdrop of severe economic crisis, widespread power outages, and mounting social unrest, forcing the regime to maneuver to maintain political control.
Analysts consulted by CiberCuba suggest these changes reveal internal fractures and a loss of confidence among the elites. The recent dismissals, resignations, and replacements clearly indicate that Díaz-Canel's government—backed by Raúl Castro and the military group GAESA—is attempting to restructure its power amid growing isolation and a loss of credibility within the country.
In the streets and on social media, however, the perception is different: the regime appears to be faltering, and the leadership changes are not seen as signs of renewal but rather as desperate survival tactics of an exhausted system.
"The pieces are moving, but the board remains the same," wrote one online user from Havana. "What's changing are the names, not the dictatorship."
The "renewal" announced by Díaz-Canel fails to extinguish the flames. On the contrary, it seems to fuel the suspicion that Cuba is entering a new phase of internal erosion, where not even the loyalists are safe.
Understanding the Power Shifts in Cuba
Why was Rubén Remigio Ferro removed from his position?
Rubén Remigio Ferro was relieved of his duties amid allegations of corruption and moral disconnect within the Cuban elite, symbolized by his son's extravagant lifestyle.
Who is replacing Rubén Remigio Ferro as the president of the People's Supreme Court?
Óscar Silvera Martínez, the current Minister of Justice, will be taking over as the president of the People's Supreme Court.
What does the resignation of key political figures indicate about Cuba's situation?
The wave of resignations suggests internal fractures and a loss of confidence within Cuba's political elite, reflecting the regime's attempts to maintain control amid growing social and economic pressures.