Key address by Comrade Raul Castro Ruz, President of the State Council and the Council of
Ministers, at the closing session of the First Session of the 7th legislature of the
National Assembly of People's Power. Convention Center, Havana, February 24, 2008, "Year
50th of the Revolution."
Comrades:
As comrade Fidel alerted us in his fundamental Reflection of last January 14th, the
people's mandate to this legislature is very clear: to continue strengthening the
Revolution at a historical juncture which demands from us to be dialectic and creative.
The composition of the State Council, which has just been elected by this Assembly,
raised much expectation both in Cuba and abroad. The most significant was clarified by
comrade Fidel in his Message of February 18th. There is very little that I can add to
what he said except to express to our people, on behalf of the Revolution's Leadership,
our appreciation for the innumerable expressions of serenity, maturity, self-assurance,
and the combination of genuine sadness and revolutionary determination.
I take on the responsibility entrusted to me deeply convinced that, as I have often said,
there is only one Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution.
Fidel is Fidel; we all know it very well. Fidel is irreplaceable and the people shall
continue his work when he is no longer physically with us; although his ideas will always
be with us, the same ideas that have made it possible to build the beacon of dignity and
justice our country represents.
The Communist Party, a sure guarantee of the unity of the Cuban nation, is the sole
worthy heir to our people's confidence in its leader. It is the top leading force of our
State and society as provided in Article 5 of our Constitution approved by referendum by
exactly 97.7% of the voters.
This conviction shall become especially significant when as a fact of life the generation
that founded and forged the Revolution is no longer present.
Fortunately, it is not that moment we are living today. Fidel is here, as always, with a
very clear mind and his capacity to analyze and foresee perfectly intact and strengthened
now that he can dedicate to studying and analyzing the countless hours he previously used
to tackle the daily problems.
Despite his steady recovery, his physical condition will not allow him those endless
working sessions --often separated by hardly a few hours of rest--that characterized his
work practically from the moment he started the revolutionary struggle, the same that
grew in intensity through the long years of the Special Period when he did not take one
single day off.
Comrade Fidel's decision, a new contribution enhancing his example, ensures as from now
the continuity of the Revolution and is perfectly consistent with a life guided by
Martí's precept that: "All the glory of the world fits in a kernel of corn."
Likewise, his determination is unchangeable with regards to his decision to continue
making his contribution to the revolutionary cause and to the most noble ideas and
objectives of mankind, while he has the strength to do so.
Therefore, with the certainty that I am expressing the will of our people, I appeal to
this Assembly, as the supreme body of the State power, to allow me to continue consulting
with the maximum leader of the Revolution, comrade Fidel Castro Ruz, the decisions of
special transcendence for the future of our nation, basically those associated to
defense, foreign policy and the socioeconomic development of the country.
For this and for many other reasons, I shall rather often today quote some of the
fundamental ideas and concepts expressed by him in his Reflections. I avail myself of
this occasion to say that we should study them for they are educational and they show his
capacity to look into the future. We should always bear in mind something that Raul Roa
liked to say to those close to him: "Fidel hears the grass growing and sees what is
happening around the corner."
Comrade Deputies:
I am aware of my responsibility to the people as I take on the task entrusted to me. But
I am also convinced that as it has been the case until today, I can count on the support
of those holding positions of responsibility at various levels, and even more
importantly, I can count on the support of my compatriots without which a society like
ours could not succeed.
The Assembly, in full compliance with the view of the Party's Political Bureau, elected
comrade José Ramón Machado Ventura as First Vice President of the State Council and later
approved his appointment as First Vice President of the Council of Ministers.
As I explained in my proposal to fill that position, it is convenient that under the
present circumstances the same comrade takes on these two responsibilities in the State
and Government, as it has been the case until now.
Considering his revolutionary life and convictions, his experience and knowledge, his
qualification as a leader and a human being, there is no doubt that he meets the
requirements to carry out these high duties.
Likewise, the assembly has agreed, in accordance with Article 75 of the Constitution, to
analyze the composition of the Government in a future session later this same year. This
is a timely decision, since we are not dealing only with appointments, but rather with
decisions about which changes might be required in the system of institutions pertaining
to the central administration of the State, and this needs more time.
During the first 15 years of the Revolution, the State structures inherited from
capitalism were adjusted as we went along to undertake the tasks imposed by the radical
economic, political and social changes.
The 1960's institutionalization process, however imperfect, enabled us to structure an
articulate system corresponding to those circumstances. We were then able to put
ourselves on a level with the socialist countries, in terms of both good and bad
experiences.
Finally, in 1994, the most critical moment of the Special Period, considerable
adjustments were made leading to the reduction and merging of institutions as well as to
the redistribution of the tasks previously entrusted to some of them. However, these
changes were undertaken with the rush imposed by the necessity to quickly adapt to a
radically different, very hostile and extremely dangerous scenario.
In the fourteen years that have passed since then, the national and international scene
has noticeably changed. Today, a more compact and operational structure is required, with
a lower number of institutions under the central administration of the State and a better
distribution of their functions. This will enable us to reduce the enormous amount of
meetings, coordination, permissions, conciliations, provisions, rules and regulations,
etc., etc. It will also allow us to bring together some decisive economic activities
which are presently disseminated through various entities, and to make a better use of
our cadres.
In summary, our Government's work must be more efficient.
The Assembly has been renovated in a higher proportion than the previous legislature. The
number of women deputies has grown over seven percent; they now make up almost half of
the legislature, over 43%. There is also an increase from 23 to 36 in the number of those
between 18 and 30 years of age, that is, the youngest, although we also have a higher
number of deputies who are over sixty.
It is very significant that a higher number of deputies are directly linked to production
and services, that is, workers, farmers and other laborers. The same applies to members
of the armed institutions, sportsmen, artists, writers, journalists and other
professionals who, together with the student leaders and the comrades working in the
people's councils make up over fifty percent of the Assembly.
These data and the simple enumeration of the tasks discharged by every one of you -from
national cadres to retirees and religious leaders-- allow us to say that those meeting
here are a small-scale sample of the Cuban society.
This is a basic premise albeit it cannot by itself guarantee the fulfillment of the
Parliament's mission. First and foremost an intelligent, organized, creative and strong
performance is required from all members, particularly while working in the commissions
where there is more time to focus on certain issues and to study them listening to a
greater number of comrades.
In my visit last December to the Santiago de Cuba district that elected comrade Fidel a
deputy, I said that the massive support enjoyed by the revolution demands from us that we
question everything we do in order to improve on it.
I also said that if the people are firmly united behind a single party, this must be more
democratic than any other, and so must be the entire society. This society, of course,
can be improved, as any other human work, but it is undoubtedly full of justice and
everybody in it has the opportunity to express their views and, better still, to work for
the materialization of whatever we all agree.
There is no reason to fear discrepancies in a society such as ours, where its very nature
precludes the existence of antagonistic contradictions, since the social classes that
make it up are not antagonistic themselves. The best solutions can come from a profound
exchange of differing opinions, if such an exchange is guided by sensible purposes and
the views are uttered with responsibility.
That's how the majority of Cubans have acted, from our best scientists, intellectuals,
workers, farmers and students to the most humble housewife.
At different stages of the Revolution, including the present, when objectively assessing
both the strategic issues and the difficulties of their everyday lives, they have all set
an example of political maturity and awareness of realities. Meanwhile, they are
increasingly convinced that the only source of wealth for the society rests with the
productive work, above all when man and resources are efficiently employed.
The international doomsayers forecasting the death of the Revolution tried to capitalize
on the criticisms made during the study and discussion of the speech made on July 26th in
Camagüey. They overlooked the fact that it was debate and criticism within socialism.
This was confirmed way over, a few months later, by the results of our electoral process
which concluded last January 20th.
It is also true that some people are inclined to talk before being properly informed.
These make demands without thinking whether they are talking rationally or irrationally.
As a rule, they agree with those who claim rights without ever mentioning duties. As
Fidel put it in his Reflections of January 16th: "...they expect miracles from our
determined and dignified Revolution."
We do not deny their right to expression, provided they do it with respect for the law.
In the face of such an expression we can neither be extremists nor naives. When the
motivation is despair due a personal problem or the lack of information, we should be
patient and offer the necessary arguments.
But if anyone intends to put pressure motivated by their wishes to be in the limelight or
by ambition, demagoguery, opportunism, simulation, arrogance or any other human weakness
of a similar nature, we must face them resolutely, avoiding offense but calling a spade a
spade.
We should never forget that the enemy never sleeps, that it is always willing to use our
carelessness to do us harm, even if some are bent on ignoring it.
We shall not avoid listening to everyone's honest opinion, which is very useful and
necessary simply because of the sometimes ridiculous noise made every time a citizen of
our country says something that the very noise makers would pay no attention to if they
heard it anywhere else on the planet.
We are aware that such messages are intended to mislead or at least to create confusion;
but in case anyone has had the outlandish notion to scare us off with them, I shall say
that the reason we are still here --and we will continue to be here-- is that our
people and its Revolution have always faced up, without fear or hesitation and with the
truth, all sorts of aggressions by the greatest military and economic power in the world.
Many examples could be offered; suffice it to mention the incontrovertible dignity of our
Five Heroes in their stance before every attempt at breaking their will during a decade
of unjust incarceration.
I avail myself of the occasion to express my gratitude, on behalf of our people, for the
countless expressions of solidarity, respect, affection, encouragement and legitimate
concern over the leader of the Revolution conveyed by Heads of State and Government,
political parties, non governmental organizations, outstanding intellectuals and ordinary
people from every corner of the world after the publication of his Message last Tuesday.
We shall never fail their confidence in us.
At the same time, we take due notice of the offensive and overtly interfering statements
of the imperialists and some of their closest allies.
As could be expected, the State Department hastily announced the continuation of the
blockade in accordance with the policy of the present Administration.
Others, with certain nuances, are bent on conditioning relations with Cuba to a
"transition" process aimed at destroying the work of so many years of struggle.
Little do they know our people, so proud of its full sovereignty and independence!
The Revolution is the work of free men and women and it has been permanently opened to
debate; but it has never given an inch to pressures nor has it ever been influenced by
them, whether big or small.
I shall only add that Fidel's Reflections, published on Friday, are a masterly response
to all of them.
As for the difficulties the country faces domestically, the decision on their priorities
and the pace of their solution will invariably be linked to the available resources and
the deep, rational and collective analysis made by the corresponding Party, State or
Government institutions. In those cases where it is deemed necessary, there will be a
previous consultation with the people in the corresponding sector of society, or even
with the entire people, if it were a very transcendental issue.
Some things need time for they should be thoroughly studied since a mistake brought about
by improvisation, superficiality or haste could have substantial negative consequences.
Good planning is most important for we cannot spend more than we have. Then we should
organize things well, and work in an orderly and disciplined fashion; this is fundamental.
When discussing these issues we should always bear in mind Fidel's deep conviction,
reiterated in his Message of February 18th, that "...the present problems of the Cuban
society require more variables for each concrete problem than those contained in a chess
game. We cannot ignore one single detail; this is not an easy path to take, if the
intelligence of a human being in a revolutionary society is to prevail over instinct."
I insist on the importance of discipline. We must all be demanding and back up those who
are. If it were necessary, we should help them improve their methods and support them
resolutely before the collective.
You should understand that I am not talking of acting with extremism or of accepting
abuse of authority or injustices; what I mean is that we should all do what corresponds
in the strengthening of discipline and social order. If we don't do it our people stand
to suffer the consequences.
It is true that there are objective limitations; we know them well and we suffer daily
trying to solve them as soon as possible. We are aware of the enormous efforts required
by the strengthening of the economy, which is an unavoidable premise to advance in any
other area of society, given the real war waged by the United States administration
against our country.
Their intention has not changed from the triumph of the Revolution, i.e. to make our
people suffer as much as possible in order to force it to abandon its decision to be free.
This is a reality that far from intimidating us should continue making us stronger.
Instead of using it as an excuse for our mistakes, it should serve as encouragement to
produce more and to offer better services, to make efforts to find the ways and means to
remove any deterrent to the productive forces and to the exploitation of the significant
potential offered by savings and by the correct organization of labor.
From the days of the independence wars until the present, our history teaches us that the
greater the difficulties the greater the need for order, discipline and unity. The lacks
of cohesion as well as disorder and impunity have always been among the worst enemies of
a fighting people.
I repeat that the country's priority will be to meet the basic needs of the population,
both material and spiritual, based on the sustained strengthening of the national economy
and its productive basis without which, I'll say it again, development would be
impossible.
An example of this is the measures proposed to increase the agricultural and livestock
production and to better their marketing, which have been analyzed in every province by a
large representation of those in charge of implementing them, including the producers
themselves.
Thus, we shall continue to act with regards to every issue of cardinal importance for the
country.
We are examining, for instance, everything related to the timely implementation of
comrade Fidel's ideas on "the progressive, gradual and prudent revaluation of the Cuban
peso," exactly as he said it on March 2005. At the same time, we keep delving into the
phenomenon of the double currency in the economy.
These are all very sensitive and complex issues when, as in our case, there is a firm
willingness to protect and to steadily increase the incomes and savings of the
population, particularly of those least favored.
To avoid traumatic effects or inconsistencies, any changes related to the currency shall
be made with a comprehensive approach, mindful, among other things, of the wage system,
the retail prices, the entitlements and the subsidies running in the millions presently
required by numerous services and products distributed on an egalitarian basis, such as
those provided by the ration card which under the present conditions of our economy
become irrational and unsustainable.
It is our strategic objective today to advance in an articulate, sound and well-thought
out manner until the wages recover their role and everyone's living standard corresponds
directly with their legally earned incomes, that is, with the significance and quantity
of their contribution to society.
As Fidel pointed out in his Reflection of January 16th: "...nor should we give away
anything to those who could be producing and who don't produce, or who produce very
little. Reward the merits of those who work with their hands or their minds."
We are simultaneously studying other issues following a priority, and the pace of
progress will depend on their complexity and the resources available.
We have the basics to find the best possible solutions within our material possibilities
and organizational capabilities, which shall continue to grow: an educated people, with a
high political culture and firmly united under the principles summed up by comrade Fidel
in his Reflections of January 24th, when he said:
"For me, unity means sharing in the struggle, the risks, the sacrifices, the aims, ideas,
concepts and strategies assumed after discussion and analysis. Unity means a common
struggle against annexationists, quislings and corrupt individuals who have nothing in
common with a militant revolutionary," end of quote.
I insist on what I said here during the previous session of this Assembly: "For the
enormous possibilities of this unity to turn into tangible results, it is indispensable
that all the institutions and organizations work with the necessary integration."
Institutionalization, --I repeat-- institutionalization is an important support of this
decisive purpose and one of the pillars of the Revolution's invulnerability in the
political field; therefore, we must work for its continued improvement. We should never
believe that what we have done is perfect.
Our democracy is as participatory as few others are, but we should be aware that the
functioning of the State and Government institutions is not yet as effective as our
people rightfully demand. This is something we should all think about.
On December, I referred to the excess of prohibitions and regulations, and in the next
few weeks we shall start removing the most simple of them. Many had had the purpose of
preventing the emergence of new inequalities at a time of general shortages, even when
that meant relinquishing certain incomes.
The suppression of other procedures, even if they might sound simple to some, will take
more time for they require a more comprehensive study and changes of certain legal
regulations, in addition to the fact that some of these are influenced by measures taken
against our country by successive U.S administrations.
Changing subject, there is also the tendency to apply the same recipe everywhere. As a
result of this --and this is perhaps its worst consequence-- many believe that the
solution of every problem demands a national measure.
In many respects, local initiative can be effective and viable; this much has been proven
with the direct distribution of milk, as I said last July 26th. This experience has
already been extended to 64 municipalities from 13 provinces in the country; 40 of them
are completely applying this system. We are also advancing in the remaining
municipalities and in the dairy industry.
In addition to ensuring prompt and proper distribution of this essential product, which
is the main objective, in the last few months of this past year said program allowed us
to save more than 6 thousand tons of powder milk whose purchase would have cost in excess
of 30 million USD, at the average price in the period of 5 thousand USD a ton.
Additionally, the hard currency expenses were reduced in 2.6 millions, including in this
figure the cost of 600 thousand litters of fuel.
Other examples could be taken from the most diverse sectors; therefore, we must continue
to think of similar solutions at all levels of the administration.
Comrades:
On a day like this, in 1895, responding to a call from Martí, the Old and the New
Generations resumed the struggle for the independence thwarted by the United States
military intervention. Half a century later, we again managed to be united and to fight
against the same enemy.
It was not by chance that this date was chosen, 50 years ago, for the first broadcasting
by Radio Rebelde on the Sierra Maestra, nor that this was the date in 1976 when we
proclaimed our Socialist Constitution.
On this 113th anniversary of the Necessary War, we are faced with many really difficult
challenges. In order to face them, let's bear in mind what Fidel wrote in his Reflections
published last December 10th, when he alerted us:
"For every Cuban, Martí's frowning countenance and Maceo's withering look point to the
arduous path of duty, not to a more comfortable life."
Thank you, very much.
