Fidel Castro was born on August 13, 1926, in the sugar-growing region of eastern Cuba. The former leader, who rose to power in 1959 following the Cuban Revolution, would have reached his 100th birthday on August 13, 2026.
Castro's political career included a 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba alongside more than 100 fighters to depose dictator Fulgencio Batista. After coming to power, he ruled Cuba for nearly five decades, transferring executive power to his brother in 2008, though he retained significant authority until his death in 2016. His combat era was defined by slogans such as 'Patria o muerte' (Homeland or Death).
The former leader's impact on the island is viewed through different lenses. Miguel Barnet, a writer, essayist, and member of the National Assembly, said Fidel Castro left a legacy of dignity, morality, tireless work, and concern for the poor. Argelia Mustelier, a 61-year-old retiree in Old Havana, said Castro would have found a way to bring happiness to Cuba during difficult times.
Conversely, Manuel Cuesta Murúa, president of the opposition Council for the Democratic Transition in Cuba, called Castro a controversial figure. He stated there was no justification for sacrificing freedoms or preventing political diversity. For younger generations, the connection to the past is fractured; Cristian Cohello stated that nothing of Castro's legacy remains for his generation and that even if another Fidel were brought in, they would not be able to fix the current situation.
Economic hardship and energy shortages
Cuba is currently experiencing its most severe economic crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The nation is facing an escalating economic squeeze driven by a five-year economic slump and US sanctions. This includes US sanctions on international oil deliveries to Cuba since the beginning of the year. Additionally, the Trump administration enforced a fuel blockade in January, which exacerbated the economic situation. The United Nations has criticized the US sanctions on Cuba.
The daily impact of the crisis is felt by residents. Maria Miranda, a resident of Havana, said power outages make it difficult to cook and survive for multiple nights.
In response to the economic situation, the political leadership in Havana has recently implemented what it describes as the largest economic turnaround in decades, allowing for private and foreign investment. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that the administration will not yield to pressure and blackmail attempts, and will continue to introduce economic and social reforms while maintaining the principles of socialism. Diaz-Canel also stated that the ability to resist and change was learned from Fidel Castro.
Political imprisonment and social dissent
According to Javier Larrondo, President of the NGO Prisoners Defenders, 1,327 political prisoners were documented in July. Larrondo also reported that 36 people were arrested in July, noting that some were protesting power outages. He stated that the government punishes those who resist or seek information.
