This Wednesday, the deputies of Cuba's National Assembly elected new members to the Council of State following the prior "resignation" of four members, as reported by the state-controlled media. No specific reasons were provided for the "resignation" of the four members, including the former Secretary of the Union of Young Communists (UJC), Aylín Álvarez. In almost all cases, the exits and entries are justified by a "comprehensive and objective process" as stated by the official newspaper, Granma.
"Following a thorough and objective process, the resignation of some members of the Council of State was carried out. Among them are Julio Emilio Morejón Pérez, Angélica María Chorens Fernández, Rafael Santisteban Pozo, and Aylín Álvarez García, who have relinquished their positions to newly elected members this morning," the daily Granma reported.
The new members of the Council of State are Meyvis Estevez Echavarría, First Secretary of the UJC; Ricardo Rodríguez González, President of the FEU; Félix Duarte Ortega, President of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP); and Reinier Guillén Otero, General Director of Antillana de Acero.
"Parliamentarians voted almost unanimously for the four candidates, chosen for their track record and qualifications," stated Alina Balseiro, head of the National Electoral Council, as cited by Prensa Latina.
Background of the Newly Elected Members
Meyvis Estévez Echevarría, 32 years old and a law graduate, had served as the second secretary of the UJC since January 31, 2023, and in April of this year, she replaced Aylín Álvarez in the position.
Félix Duarte Ortega, 49 years old and an agricultural mechanization engineer, also recently took up his position as president of the National Association of Small Farmers. Duarte Ortega was previously the first secretary of the Provincial Committee in Ciego de Ávila.
A fifth-year medical student, Ricardo Rodríguez González has been serving as the national president of the University Student Federation (FEU) since the beginning of this year. The fourth appointee, Reinier Guillén Otero, 40 years old, is the General Director of the José Martí Steel Company, popularly known as Antillana de Acero.
The Council of State is the organ of the National Assembly of People's Power that represents it between sessions, executes its agreements, and performs other functions assigned by the Constitution. It is accountable to the Parliament and reports all its activities to it.
The election and swearing-in of the new members concluded the first part of the opening day of the Third Ordinary Period of Sessions of the Parliament, in its X Legislature, which began this Wednesday and will end next Saturday.
Key Changes in Cuba's Council of State
The recent changes in Cuba's Council of State have raised several questions regarding the reasons behind the resignations and the profiles of the new members. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context and clarity on the situation.
Why did the four members resign from the Council of State?
The specific reasons for the resignation of the four members, including Aylín Álvarez, have not been disclosed. The official explanation cites a "comprehensive and objective process" but lacks further details.
Who are the newly elected members of the Council of State?
The newly elected members are Meyvis Estevez Echavarría, Ricardo Rodríguez González, Félix Duarte Ortega, and Reinier Guillén Otero. Each brings a diverse background and experience to the Council.
What is the role of the Council of State in Cuba?
The Council of State represents the National Assembly of People's Power between sessions, executes its agreements, and performs other functions assigned by the Constitution. It is accountable to the Parliament and reports all its activities to it.