At the age of 95 and with health issues acknowledged even by the government, Raúl Castro sent a congratulatory letter this past Saturday to the Union of Civil Defense Workers on their 55th anniversary, as reported by the state-run Canal Caribe.
The letter, dated in Havana, emphasizes the need for "unity" and applauds the "strength" of the union at a time when Cuba is experiencing its most severe multidimensional crisis in recent history.
The message begins with the usual solemn tone: "Dear comrades, today, September 19th, marks the 55th anniversary of the creation of the union of civil defense workers. For this reason, I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations and recognition to you."
Following this, the Army General pays tribute to the founders and "many generations who united for a common goal: to protect the rights and well-being of the civil workers who support the nation's security and defense in various capacities."
The most striking—and arguably most difficult to take seriously—part is the closing paragraph: "May this 55th anniversary renew unity as our primary strategic weapon. Times change and bring new challenges, but the strength of this union lies in its people and their ability to face problems without abandoning our principles."
Discussing "strength" and "principles" in a country where, according to a study by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) and the Cuban Social Rights Observatory, 94% of the population lives in extreme poverty, requires, at the very least, a significant level of abstraction.
The "new challenges" Castro refers to are quite specific: a maximum recorded electricity deficit of 2,411 MW in August, eight total collapses of the electrical system this year, and power outages lasting more than 80 consecutive hours in some areas. Additionally, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projects a GDP contraction of 6.5% by 2026, with rampant interannual inflation.
The union that receives Raúl's epistolary "embrace" today was founded on September 19, 1971, as the National Union of Civil Workers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (SNTC-FAR), in a process directly led by the then Minister of the Armed Forces.
Three decades later, in 2001, the civil workers of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior were merged into the new National Union of Civil Defense Workers (SNTCD). In a way, it is a creation of Raúl, to which the elderly general once again extends his congratulations, this time for its 55th anniversary.
The letter comes amid a relentless propaganda campaign that the regime enthusiastically maintains throughout 2026. On the same Saturday, Cubadebate published an article by Mexican philosopher Fernando Buen Abad, praising Castro as a symbol of "revolutionary permanence" with "extraordinary political leadership capability."
Earlier this month, the International Book Fair concluded in Santiago de Cuba with the presentation of the "Selected Works of Raúl Castro": a lavish collection of nine volumes, over 500 documents, and more than 5,000 pages, while the country is practically devoid of resources for anything else.
Raúl's public appearances in 2026 have been sparse and meticulously managed. Notably, he missed the central July 26th event for the first time in at least three decades; on August 13, he appeared at an event marking his brother Fidel's centenary, primarily from a distance and without speaking; and on September 5, he attended a Ministry of the Interior event, again without a speech. This time, he chose to send a letter rather than appear in person.
Exploring Cuba's Ongoing Challenges
What is the current state of Cuba's economy?
Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis, with a projected GDP contraction of 6.5% by 2026 and rampant inflation. The country's infrastructure is struggling, with significant power outages and an electricity deficit.
How has Raúl Castro participated in public life recently?
Raúl Castro has made limited public appearances in 2026, opting for carefully managed events and, most recently, communicating through letters instead of in-person speeches.
What are the main challenges mentioned by Raúl Castro in his letter?
Raúl Castro referred to "new challenges" in his letter, which include severe power outages, economic contraction, and social instability, reflecting the dire situation in Cuba.