标签： Cuba

In a significant political development, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) announced on November 13 the appointment of Adao de Almeida as the new president of Parliament, succeeding Carolina Cerqueira. The decision, made in line with the Legislative Assembly’s procedural rules, was promptly submitted to the Assembly for approval. The election and handover ceremony are set to take place this Monday, as per the proposed agenda. The MPLA, which holds a commanding majority with 124 out of 220 seats in the Assembly, anticipates a smooth transition, despite the undisclosed reasons for Cerqueira’s replacement, who has held the position since 2022. Under Angolan law, the president of the National Assembly is elected for each legislative term but can be replaced within that term by the political party or coalition that initially nominated them. Adao de Almeida, a seasoned politician and member of the MPLA’s Political Bureau, brings a wealth of experience, having served as Chief of Staff to the President from 2020 until November 14. Concurrently, Parliament is gearing up to commence the second ordinary plenary session of the fourth legislative term today, with the first debate on the draft General State Budget (PGE) for 2026 on the agenda.

On November 17, 2005, Fidel Castro delivered a landmark speech at the University of Havana, addressing critical global and national issues while reaffirming the principles of socialism. Two decades later, his words remain strikingly relevant. Castro condemned the injustices of the modern world, highlighting exploitation, inequality, and the dominance of imperial powers. He criticized the United States for its military interventions and the Israeli government for its role in the Palestinian crisis, emphasizing the need for global unity against oppression. Castro also reflected on Cuba’s revolutionary history, stressing the importance of ideas, ethics, and collective struggle in preserving socialism. He called for vigilance against corruption and theft, urging Cubans to uphold revolutionary values. Castro’s speech underscored the enduring relevance of Marxist-Leninist principles and the necessity of defending Cuba’s sovereignty. He concluded with a hopeful vision for the future, asserting that the fight for justice and human dignity makes life worth living.

Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has publicly condemned what he describes as subversive activities and economic manipulation orchestrated against Cuba through a U.S.-supported publication. In a series of social media posts, Marrero revealed that the digital outlet El Toque is linked to U.S. government institutions, including the National Endowment for Democracy, USAID, and the State Department. He asserted that these connections confirm El Toque’s role as a tool for undermining Cuba’s economic stability and depressing the income levels of its citizens. Marrero’s statements align with previous accusations by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who has highlighted the financing of digital media to devalue the Cuban peso. The Prime Minister also emphasized ongoing efforts by the Central Bank of Cuba to establish a transparent and orderly official exchange market. This initiative aims to reflect the true state of the economy and counteract destabilizing forces. Earlier this month, Cuba accused the U.S. government of executing a comprehensive economic warfare program designed to disrupt the nation’s constitutional order. The allegations, detailed on the program Razones de Cuba, specifically targeted currency trafficking and tax evasion schemes involving Cuban-origin operators based in the U.S. and other countries. El Toque was directly implicated as a manipulated media outlet despite its claims of independence.

The Communist Party of Cuba is set to convene its 11th Plenary Session on December 12 and 13, 2025, to address critical issues impacting the nation’s socioeconomic and political landscape. This high-level meeting, organized by the Party’s highest governing body between Congresses, aims to evaluate the government’s response to ongoing challenges and assess the implementation of the Government Program designed to rectify economic distortions and stimulate growth. The session, which has been under review since November 15 and will continue until December 30, will also focus on setting economic objectives and goals for 2026, alongside discussions on the proposed State Budget for the upcoming year. Additionally, the Central Committee will examine the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the recovery progress in the eastern provinces, and the lingering effects of previous natural disasters. As part of the agenda, the Political Bureau will present a report on its recent activities and key decisions, particularly in the context of preparations for the 9th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, scheduled for April 16-19, 2026. This Congress holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, marking a pivotal moment in Cuba’s political history.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, the head of the State Council of Cuba, accompanied by a high-level delegation, paid homage to Angola’s first president, Antonio Agostinho Neto, at his memorial early Friday morning. The visit coincided with Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence, marking a pivotal moment in the shared history of the two nations. The Cuban leader, Lazo, emphasized the deep fraternal bonds between Cuba and Angola, rooted in their joint struggle against colonialism, apartheid, and imperialism. He highlighted the enduring friendship between Fidel Castro and Agostinho Neto, which continues to inspire current generations to uphold their legacy of solidarity and cooperation. The delegation also honored Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, Angola’s long-serving leader from 1979 to 2017, and commemorated Raul Diaz-Argüelles, the first head of Cuba’s military mission in Angola, at his burial site in Alto de las Cruces. The tribute concluded with an exchange between the Cuban delegation and the President of Angola’s Parliament, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.