Will Raul Castro reform Cuba and at least turn it into a social democracy?

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Beardo

Most likely he will try to steer towards a "Chinese-style" society. (Though I doubt that Cuba will invade Tibet !)

He certainly won't make large changes whilst his brother is still alive.

tartu2222

I think it would be good. It may be a slap in the face of the 'revolution,' but it may be time for a shift in policy. Nice question.

Havanalover

I think he will make some (very) small changes . It seems he's admirer of the " Chinese way" His first steps are to make the the agriculture more efficient . Nowdays the Cuban agriculture is a ruin. Before the revolution there was a livestock of 6 mil. now 2 mil. There is a frequent shortage of milk . He is starting some small decentralizing measures.
To his credit it has to be said that he's an excellent manager and organizer. He established the tourist industry to finance the army and the civil defence. He also is the man who opened the discussion with citizens . Cuban citizen are now allowed to send letters to the offical Newspaper Granma. I guess that he knows beter what's going on than his brother and I think that some fundamental changes will be made after Fidels dead , they lost the youth. The Cuban youngsters are more interested in new clothting, good food, Nike shoes, etc. than in the revolution.
I think he has no choice , if he doesn't move , the system will collapse like the former Soviets Republic. But Cuba is Cuba.

Havanalover
http://www.havana-guide.com

Ramzi al-Kaboom

Raul Castro was part of the Cuban Revolution with his brother, Fidel. They both share the hard-line stances about the U.S. They believe imperalism is full of corruption.

To answer your question, as long as Raul Castro is there you won't see any changes in Cuba. Yes, he has announced that Cubans can be able to buy TV's, DVD's, cell phones, etc., but you have to realize that Cubans are earning about $20 a month. These items that are now allowed to be sold are going to be sold way above their monthly salaries. So despite that fact that these stuff are being sold Cubans won't be able to afford them.

Raul Castro chose his older comrades to top positions in their government, and they still have old beliefs. There needs to be a younger representation, so they can relate to what Cubans want now!

David G

probably he will. there will be some changes but no very drastic

Santero

I think not.
He announced to open Cuba for trade. But I doubt about a big change. At least he already loosened the import regulations.

Richard K

I agree with you he will make some changes, slowly but surely however he won't vary much from his brother's lead. Much depends on the U. S. opening some sensible dialogue.

Girl Interrupted

I think it may be possible. I don't think Raul wants to be remembered the way Fidel will be remembered. Although he participated with his brother in the past into making Cuba the way it is today, he will hopefully make some changes. It trips me out the way people talk about how bad he treats Cubans, but I personally think that he has offered the most needed things in life. Housing and Medical care. Can u believe how wonderful life would be if our Government granted us with free housing and healthcare.

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