Díaz-Canel Declares Fidel Castro's Influence is Back and Should Intimidate Foes

Speaking at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana, Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on Wednesday that Fidel Castro's influence has resurfaced with such vigor that it should intimidate adversaries. This declaration came during the conclusion of the First International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future" and celebrations marking the centenary of the dictator's birth.

"The Soldier of Ideas has returned in a way that should frighten his enemies: hundreds, thousands, millions of people from all ages and beliefs across nearly the entire globe are expanding his legacy," declared Díaz-Canel in his official speech. He added that this legacy provides the foundation to "forge new paths in the fight for the future, without surrendering, selling out, or betraying."

The event concluded a colloquium that, according to Díaz-Canel, brought together over 1,500 participants from 63 countries—including 500 Cubans—over four days at Havana's Convention Palace.

During his address, the Cuban leader characterized Fidelism as "an honorable stance towards life" rather than "blind faith," equating it to being "perpetual anti-imperialist fighters against all forms of injustice in the world."

He also quoted Castro, outlining three "non-negotiable principles": "the country's independence, the revolution, and the values and achievements that socialism represents."

Economic Challenges Amidst Political Rhetoric

Under this premise, Díaz-Canel announced that Cuba is progressing through "a challenging process of economic and social transformations focused on the people's welfare and social justice," referencing a package of 176 economic measures approved in June.

This announcement starkly contrasts with the everyday reality faced by the Cuban population. While tributes continue, the economy is in freefall, with some areas experiencing power outages lasting 20 to 25 hours daily, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projecting a GDP contraction of 6.5% by 2026.

Criticism of U.S. Policies

Díaz-Canel's address also criticized Washington, labeling the embargo as a "brutal and immoral imperial siege aiming to exterminate our people," and even describing it as "genocide" against Cubans. This language is typical of the regime's approach to deflect responsibility for the island's structural crisis.

"When historians of the future look back seeking Fidel Castro Ruz, they will no longer see just a man, but his people and millions who, inspired by his exemplary life, earned a place in history by relentlessly confronting the most powerful and criminal endeavor and prevailing," Díaz-Canel concluded to applause from the audience at the Karl Marx Theater.

Raúl Castro's Subtle Presence

A silent yet significant figure at the event was Raúl Castro, aged 95, who sat in the front row alongside Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero but refrained from giving any speech or statement.

The regime simply shared on social media that "the most loyal Fidelist of all was present."

The appearance of the former leader attracted attention given his pattern of absences in 2026. He was notably absent for the first time in at least three decades from the main event on the anniversary of the Moncada on July 26. Díaz-Canel had acknowledged in April that Castro is "retired for health reasons" and is "frail due to his advanced age." This marked his fourth confirmed public appearance this year, none of which included any remarks.

The regime declared 2026 the "Year of the Centenary of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz" in December 2025, with a commemorative agenda extending until December 4, the tenth anniversary of Castro's interment at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba.