A representative from the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) has stepped forward to defend Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as 'The Crab.' This official confirmed that Raúl Castro's grandson serves as the regime's sanctioned negotiator with Washington, under the directive of the country's top leadership.
Elier Ramírez Cañedo, who is also a member of the National Assembly, took to Facebook to label criticisms against Rodríguez Castro as "manipulations and lies" and "sensationalist journalism." He openly acknowledged the presence of covert communication channels between Havana and successive U.S. administrations.
Ramírez Cañedo's remarks mark the first explicit defense from the regime's ideological apparatus concerning The Crab's role. Despite holding no elected government position, this Ministry of Interior colonel is confirmed by the PCC to be negotiating Cuba's future with the White House.
Secret Channels and Media Manipulation
"The manipulations and lies, the sensationalist journalism, surrounding Raúl Guillermo as the Cuban side's interlocutor, by decision of the country's top leadership, serve that objective," wrote Ramírez Cañedo, referring to what he described as a "media operation from the United States" aimed at creating division within Cuba's leadership.
He also accused the Trump administration of lacking seriousness and discretion, alleging they caused leaks that compromised the process and fueled doubts about their true intentions.
Enduring Revolution and Elite Privileges
Ramírez Cañedo boasted of the "unbreakable" unity of the revolution, which he claims is evident between the historical generation and the new leadership.
The post was supported by Abel Prieto, a longstanding figure in Castroism, who shared it with the comment: "Thank you, Elier, for that precise and necessary text. Now, more than ever, it's essential to maintain unity and avoid falling into the traps set by our enemies. They shall not pass!"
This official defense solidifies what has been apparent from The Crab's trajectory: real power in Cuba is not held by Miguel Díaz-Canel—whom Rodríguez Castro referred to as "Miguelito" in an interview with USA Today—but rather lies within Raúl Castro's family circle and GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling a significant portion of the Cuban economy. This conglomerate was inherited by The Crab from his late father, General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja.
Public Outrage and Internal Dissent
The statement comes days after The Crab expressed to USA Today his willingness to negotiate directly with Trump about Cuba's future, sparking outrage both inside and outside the island.
Controversy has been further fueled by the stark contrast between The Crab's opulent lifestyle—sporting a Rolex watch, Hermès sneakers, and a Salvatore Ferragamo briefcase—and the grim reality faced by Cubans, who survive on monthly wages of $10 to $15 and endure power outages lasting over 30 hours.
Even regime sympathizers have voiced discontent: singer-songwriter Israel Rojas publicly apologized for being "naïve" in doubting reports of elite privileges for years, while the mother of the head of communications at the Palace of the Revolution questioned on Facebook, "Can someone bring this young man down from the clouds? Can someone silence him?"
Israel Rojas's criticism of The Crab adds to a week of dissent that the Party apparatus is now attempting to frame as an external conspiracy, amid Cuba's seventh nationwide blackout in 18 months and an economic contraction projected at -6.5% for 2026.
Key Questions About Cuba's Political Climate
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as 'The Crab,' is the grandson of Raúl Castro. He acts as an official negotiator between the Cuban regime and the United States, as designated by Cuba's top leadership.
What role does GAESA play in Cuba's economy?
GAESA is a military conglomerate that controls a significant portion of Cuba's economy, reportedly between 50% and 80%. It was inherited by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro from his father, the late General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja.
Why is there public outrage against Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Public outrage stems from The Crab's luxurious lifestyle, which starkly contrasts with the dire economic conditions faced by most Cubans, as well as his role in negotiating with the United States without holding an elected government position.