Political analyst and writer Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo gave a firm "no" when asked if Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," could become Cuba's Gorbachev—at least for now. He issued a direct challenge: take the microphone and address the Cuban people.
This idea was initially suggested by Jorge de Armas, a contributor to Hypermedia Magazine, during a previous interview with Tania Costa. Pardo Lazo expanded on this by arguing that what defines a Gorbachev is not their position or lineage but their willingness to speak out.
What Makes a Gorbachev?
"A Gorbachev is a Gorbachev when they speak. In the Cuban government, we are not given a voice. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has not said a single word to us, not even a call to arms," Pardo Lazo stated.
According to Pardo Lazo, Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented communication void from its leadership. "We are not just a politically leaderless nation; we are without a voice, silenced," he declared.
Could 'El Cangrejo' Be the Change?
With a touch of irony, Pardo Lazo doesn't dismiss the possibility that El Cangrejo might become a historical figure. He even suggests, "El Cangrejo could become the Gorbachev and potentially Cuba's first Nobel Peace Prize laureate. But he must act."
Pardo Lazo's condition is straightforward and bypasses state-controlled media. "He needs to take to YouTube. He doesn't have to be on Cuban television at all. He should say, 'I am El Cangrejo. I've been part of this, witnessed crimes, and other acts we didn't view as crimes given the historical context,'" Pardo Lazo explained.
The Truth Must Be Spoken
The message Pardo Lazo anticipates is equally clear: "They need to admit, 'At this moment, we have failed.' It's unfair to claim 67 years of failures, but right now, we have indeed failed."
For Pardo Lazo, the true Cuban Gorbachev would come from a specific military background. "That would be the Cuban Gorbachev: a military figure who says, 'The Armed Forces never turned against the Cuban people. It was the Ministry of the Interior,'" he said, highlighting the difference between the roles of the FAR and the MININT.
El Cangrejo has recently gained international visibility. In February 2026, secret meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio were revealed, and by May, he had met with the CIA director in Havana. He was photographed in March sitting with members of the Political Bureau, a picture seen as evidence of the real influence Raúl Castro still wields through his grandson.
Cuba's Current State
Pardo Lazo contextualizes these developments within his assessment of Cuba's situation. "There is no longer a revolution in Cuba, nor a dictatorship. What exists is a regime disconnected from reality, unable to provide water, healthcare, electricity, education, sports, or television. It cannot provide anything."
The analyst recalls the powerful speech by Ricardo Lagos on Chilean television on April 25, 1988, when the then-opposition leader pointed at Pinochet and spoke for "15 years of silence," as a model for the potential impact of a similar intervention within the Cuban regime.
"Such an individual would gain two million followers on the first day and become a total symbolic force," Pardo Lazo concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Political Climate
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," is the grandson of Raúl Castro. He has emerged as a figure of increasing international visibility due to his connections and potential influence within the Cuban regime.
What qualities define a Gorbachev-like figure?
A Gorbachev-like figure is characterized not by their title or heritage but by their boldness to speak out and initiate change. This involves addressing the public openly and acknowledging failures within the system.