With the US pressuring Cuba, a Castro known as ‘the Crab’ is making appearances. Here’s why it matters

With the US pressuring Cuba, a Castro known as ‘the Crab’ is making appearances. Here’s why it matters

For the first time in recent months, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, joined the nation’s current president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, at two public engagements on Friday. This visibility has sparked speculation among experts about his potential influence in the country’s political future, especially as Cuba grapples with intensifying U.S. pressure and demands for regime change.

Castro, who goes by the nickname “Raulito,” participated in a session where Díaz-Canel convened with Communist Party officials and government ministers. Later that day, he attended a press event where the president outlined the nation’s mounting social and economic challenges, confirming discussions with the U.S. regarding the longstanding economic strain on Havana.

Recent reports suggest Castro may be engaging with U.S. officials behind the scenes. According to Axios, he reportedly spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, bypassing formal Cuban government channels. While CNN has not confirmed this with the State Department or Cuban authorities, many Cubans and analysts see his growing presence as a sign of potential leadership, should the current administration face upheaval.

The Crisis in Cuba

Cuba’s communist regime is under severe strain due to decades of U.S. sanctions and internal economic struggles. The country now faces a critical juncture, with shortages of fuel and food intensifying, hospitals reducing services, and power outages becoming routine. Tourism, once a key revenue stream, has also declined significantly.

“The situation has worsened after the U.S. operation that ousted Maduro, cutting off a vital oil supply,” said Diana Correa, head of the international relations program at Tecnológico de Monterrey. “This has left Cuba more vulnerable than ever.”

The crisis deepened following the January 3 U.S. action that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Maduro’s government had provided heavily subsidized oil to Cuba, a lifeline under strain after the operation. Washington’s strategy appears to target Havana’s alliances, as it also allowed Maduro’s allies to retain power in Venezuela, including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

Raúl Castro’s Grandson

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, 41, is the son of Débora Castro Espín, one of Raúl Castro’s daughters, and Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja, a general who led the Business Administration Group (GAESA) during the former president’s tenure. His father, who passed away in 2022, was a trusted confidant of Raúl Castro, according to the Associated Press.

“Luis Alberto was a man Raúl Castro trusted completely,” noted Sebastián Arcos, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. “After his death, Raúl Guillermo began to rise in prominence, eventually taking charge of his grandfather’s security during his presidency.”

Castro’s nickname, “el Cangrejo” (the Crab), reflects his familial ties to the Castro legacy. He is also a grand-nephew of Fidel Castro, who led the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and ruled the country from 1976 to 2008. Fidel Castro stepped down due to health issues and died in 2016.

Photos from Reuters reveal Castro’s role in guarding his 94-year-old grandfather during high-profile meetings, such as those with Pope Francis or Russian officials. His public appearances this week underscore a possible shift in Cuba’s political landscape, as U.S. officials explore alliances with rival factions within the island’s leadership.