Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, often referred to as "El Cangrejo" or "Raulito," granted his first public interview on Friday to The National. He was accompanied by Carlos Méndez, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment. The timing was meticulously calculated: it came just a day after the regime approved the most significant package of economic reforms in its history.
This timing is no coincidence. On Wednesday, the Communist Party approved 176 measures structured into 23 strategic areas during a session at the National Assembly. These measures include the introduction of private banking, the buying and selling of shares in state-owned enterprises, the removal of the 100-worker cap for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the entry of private capital into the energy sector.
At 41, Raulito doesn't hold an official government position, yet he is a lieutenant colonel in the Ministry of the Interior and has been the head of Raúl Castro's General Directorate of Personal Security since 2016.
He is regarded as the primary informal channel between the regime's leadership and the Trump administration. He was also one of the interlocutors for CIA Director John Ratcliffe during his visit to Havana in May.
Raulito's key message was one of openness without concessions: "Cuba poses no threat whatsoever to the interests and national security of the United States. In this regard, we continue to offer a civilized relationship, one of respect and equality."
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that discussions with Washington have not yielded results: "I would like to say yes to that question, but the reality is no."
Reshaping Economic Engagement
Deputy Minister Méndez clarified the scope of the reforms to potential investors: "We are not privatizing the economy; what we are doing is providing greater participation to the private sector in practically every area of the economy."
Méndez also directly addressed American business leaders: "We want you to know and understand that Cuba is open to investment... We have business opportunities in almost every sector, from mining, tourism, real estate, banking, to finance."
The backdrop remains grim. Since January 2026, the Trump administration has enforced an effective oil blockade through Executive Order 14380, which prevents any country from supplying fuel to Cuba.
Challenges and International Pressure
The result: blackouts exceeding 20 hours daily, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, reporting children dying due to a lack of medicine.
Adding to the pressure, Raulito's grandfather, Raúl Castro Sr., was formally charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in May for the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, resulting in four deaths.
Raulito acknowledged the challenging context while remaining steadfast: "It is incredibly difficult to sustain any type of conversation, discussion, negotiation, or dialogue in a highly hostile environment marked by coercive measures, threats, and attempts at conditioning and imposition."
According to an Axios investigation, since February 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in secret talks with Raulito to explore transition scenarios, bypassing the formal Communist Party apparatus and even Díaz-Canel himself.
American University Professor William LeoGrande pointed out that Rubio is spearheading the maximum pressure campaign, and the Secretary of State himself has admitted that he and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart are crafting Trump's Cuba policy.
Vice President JD Vance responded cautiously to the reforms: "Let's see what they do. If they make smart decisions, we'll have a much better relationship with that island."
The lingering question is whether these 176 measures—and Raulito's public appearance as the regime's informal spokesperson—will suffice for Washington or if they are merely another move in a game where, as Raulito himself admitted, there are still no tangible results.
Understanding the Recent Economic Reforms in Cuba
What are the main components of the new economic reforms in Cuba?
The reforms include the introduction of private banking, the ability to buy and sell shares in state-owned enterprises, the removal of the 100-worker limit for MSMEs, and the entry of private capital into the energy sector.
How has the international community responded to Cuba's economic reforms?
While some, like Vice President JD Vance, have reacted cautiously, waiting to see the outcomes, others remain skeptical about the effectiveness and sincerity of these reforms.
What impact has the U.S. oil blockade had on Cuba?
The oil blockade has led to extensive power outages, lasting over 20 hours a day, and has exacerbated shortages, contributing to a humanitarian crisis as reported by the United Nations.