May Day marks Raul's ascendancy in Cuba
Posted: Thursday, May 01, 2008 12:36 PM
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Havana, Cuba
By Mary Murray, NBC News Havana Bureau Chief
HAVANA – What a difference a year can make!
Cuba’s International Worker’s Day parade last year had the air of a funeral. The Communist Party faithful had gathered all night expecting to see Fidel Castro when they marched through Havana’s Plaza of the Revolution. But they left disappointed – the man who had ruled Cuba for almost half a century had still not recovered from the intestinal surgery that almost killed him and was a no-show at the parade.
But today as thousands gathered for the annual May Day parade wearing red shirts and waving red flags, thoughts of Fidel were likely far from people’s minds.
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| Reuters |
| Cuba's President Raul Castro attends the May Day parade at Havana's Revolution Square. |
Since he permanently vacated the presidency five months ago and handed power over to his younger brother, Raul Castro has made his mark with his different governing style and realistic eye on the island’s serious problems.
Ruling Raul-style
Associates describe the 76-year-old Raul as a low-key leader who relies more on collective input from trusted subordinates, who have proven their loyalty during years of service, rather than embracing Fidel’s one-man-rule style. Raul’s base of support stems from the island’s military and intelligence apparatus, which he has managed for almost five decades. He is said to be decisive, and someone who wants quick answers and equally fast solutions.
In a few short months, he has already shaken things up. He first tackled some sticky issues that were perceived as discrimination against ordinary Cubans by striking down hated rules that barred citizens from having cell phones and staying in fancy resorts.
And although it has been years in the making, people credit Raul for dealing with another issue that has rankled Cubans for years – the nightmare of public transportation: some state workers described spending up to three hours a day in the daily commute. Raul has been credited with getting the buses to run at reasonable intervals and getting more of them out on road.
Raul is also promising to get cheaper food to the Cuban family. His government started a heavy charm offensive with private farmers, handing over government land as an incentive to coax them into planting more crops. The ultimate goal is to stem expensive food imports. This year Havana plans on spending close to $2 billion in rice, wheat and meat imports.
And under Raul’s lead, the government also is allowing farmers to own their own land and hire temporary help in an effort to bring more of their produce to market.
So during today’s parade, as Raul Castro stood at the head of the reviewing stand, it was clear to all that he is now the man in charge – Fidel Castro’s image still present but no longer shadowing his brother’s rule.
