Is greater openness to public debate in the works in Cuba? As news agencies report today:
The Communist Party newspaper Granma said that Rául Castro, who took over as Cuba’s provisional president almost five months ago, after his brother underwent emergency surgery, told about 800 student leaders that they should “fearlessly” engage in public debate and analysis — a different approach to politics than that of his 80- year-old brother.
And more about opportunities for young people:
Rául Castro, 75, also spoke of the need to promote younger people to start taking over for Cuba’s aging leaders, many of whom are now in their 70s. “We are finishing up the fulfillment of our duties and there has to be a slow opening up to the new generations,” he said.
Fidel Castro, Cuba’s unchallenged leader for 47 years, also spoke of the need to nurture younger leaders when he addressed the same congress last year.
Integrating young people into the political and economic institutions in Cuba is a laudable initiative. However, I would be interested in seeing to what extent it is a true extension of leadership opportunities to the young generation rather than a passing of political and economic posts to sons and daughters of those who are already in power. The experiences of other communist countries and fragile democracies suggest that the latter is more likely to occur.
There is an anecdote about this in Russia. A son comes to his father, who is a colonel in a military, and asks him:” Daddy, do you think I will grow up to be a major?” “Of course you will,” says the father. “What about a colonel?” “Of course you will,” says the father again. “What about a general?” “No,” father replies, “a general has his own son!”
As simple as the anecdote may seem, it is a reality in many countries. As such, promises of opportunities for young people don’t materialize for all, further alienating those without ‘proper connections.’ I hope the Cuban government follows the “what you know” not “who you know” strategy in extending opportunities to the country’s future leaders.
Published Date: December 26, 2006