Cuba’s political landscape is a subject that never fails to arouse interest. While the Communist Party remains the only authorized political force, in recent years we have observed a growing disenchantment on the part of Cuban youth towards the regime in place. The Revolutionary Guards have difficulty convincing young people of the authenticity and relevance of their ideology.
The Cuban authorities, well aware of this situation, today recognize the reality of the economic crisis and the massive emigration affecting the country. However, this has not yet led to a real political opening. The slogans glorifying the Cuban revolution that have long been brandished in the countryside now seem to be greeted with indifference, even skepticism, by new generations.
It is in this context that our France 24 reporters were able to meet members of a Consejo Provincial, local communist organizations responsible for defending the interests of the ruling party. These members, who seem to be in the midst of a period of introspection, expressed a certain ambivalence regarding their political commitment. They continue to uphold the legacy of Fidel Castro while recognizing the limits of the Cuban revolution in its current form.
Young Cubans, for their part, express their desire for change and their aspiration to live in a more open and democratic society. The Internet has played a major role in this awareness, providing young people with access to a diversity of ideas and perspectives that they do not find in official discourse. Social networks, in particular, have made it possible to create spaces for exchange and mobilization for those who wish to express their disagreement and demand reforms.
This generational divide and growing disillusionment with one-party rule poses a significant challenge for the Cuban authorities. They must find answers to the aspirations of young people while preserving the gains of the revolution. Some members of the Consejo Provincial also seem aware of this need for renewal and modernization, but the road to change remains strewn with pitfalls.
In this complex context, it is essential to continue to observe the evolution of Cuban politics and the impact of these tensions on society. The Revolutionary Guards face a daunting challenge: finding a balance between the ideals of the past and the aspirations of the present. It remains to be seen whether the Communist Party will be able to meet this challenge and regain the trust of Cuban youth.