Liang Xiaoyu: Main Practices of the Communist Party of Cuba in Strengthening Party Building
The Republic of Cuba is composed of 1,600 islands of various sizes, with a total area of approximately 110,860 square kilometers and a population of over 11 million; its capital is Havana. Since 2011, the country has been divided into 15 provinces, which are further divided into 167 municipalities (counties), as well as one special municipality: the Isle of Youth. Cuba is a socialist state, and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) is the only legal political party within its borders. It serves as the leading force of Cuban society and the state. The current head of state and government is Raúl Castro [1].
The predecessor of the PCC was the Integrated Revolutionary Organizations (ORI) [2], formed in 1961 through the merger of three groups: the July 26th Movement, the People's Socialist Party, and the March 13th Revolutionary Directorate. Its name was changed to the current designation in October 1965. Currently, it has 61,000 primary-level Party organizations and over 800,000 members. "In the 1970s, the number of PCC members was over 500,000. Following the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe [3], the number of PCC members did not decrease but instead grew at an average annual rate of about 20,000, increasing from 615,000 in 1991 to 894,000 in 2005." Founded in 1965, the PCC held its First National Congress in 1975, followed by the Second through Eighth National Congresses between 1980 and 2021. In April 2021, the Eighth Congress of the PCC was convened in Havana, focusing on the problems existing within the Party and the direction of reform, and electing a leadership collective with Miguel Díaz-Canel [4] as first secretary of the Central Committee.
Cuba is unique among socialist states in that it is situated in the "backyard" of the United States—the only country in the Western Hemisphere governed by a communist party. It faces not only a U.S. blockade but also pressure from several neighboring Latin American countries. Furthermore, due to its relatively singular economic structure, its level of economic development remains low, and the people's standard of living is relatively poor. Facing a severe domestic and international environment, the PCC has consistently ensured that the "red flag does not fall," maintaining its governing status without wavering and enjoying high levels of public credibility among the masses.
I. Unswerving Strengthening of Ideological and Theoretical Building
Adhering to the guidance of Marxism-Leninism. Both the Party Constitution and the program adopted at the First Congress of the PCC explicitly emphasized that the PCC takes the ideas of Marx, Engels, and Lenin as its guide in the task of socialist construction. The PCC maintains that the birth of [socialist] Cuba was the result of the united efforts of socialist forces, and that the establishment of the PCC ensures that Cuba continues to advance along the communist path. Following the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Cuba lost its primary political support and its favorable trade relations with Eastern European countries ceased to exist. Despite encountering unprecedented pressure and crisis, the PCC nonetheless declared its determination to resolutely follow the socialist path and defend socialism unto death. In 2019, the Cuban Constitution stipulated that Cuba is a socialist state of law, independence, sovereignty, unity, and democracy, highlighting the socialist nature of the country.
By unwavering adherence to Marxism-Leninism, the PCC has, on the one hand, persisted in the basic principles of socialism as a Marxist governing party, such as maintaining the dominant position of the public ownership economy. On the other hand, the PCC has always been the formulator and promoter of Cuba’s major policies, providing correct political leadership for the cause of the Cuban Revolution and guaranteeing the fundamental leading position of the PCC. As the only socialist state outside the Asian region and the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean governed by a communist party, Cuba’s persistent adherence to Marxism-Leninism and socialism is of great significance not only for the building of the Party and the state but also for promoting the development of the world socialist movement.
First, improving the Party’s training system and strengthening the ideological education of Party members and cadres. The Cuban Party School was founded in 1960. It now possesses one Central Party School, 14 provincial party schools, and over 140 primary-level party schools, forming a relatively complete cadre training network from the center to the grassroots. Additionally, Cuba established political-ideological training centers (hereafter "the Centers"), which are divided into three levels: primary, intermediate, and advanced, primarily to provide systematic education for Party members and probationary members. Regarding the target of training, the Centers focus on ordinary Party members; the content is primarily composed of Marxist-Leninist theory. Unlike the various levels of party schools, "the teaching targets of the political-ideological training centers lean toward ordinary Party members, with the primary goal of providing standardized and complete education to members and probationary members to improve their political literacy and theoretical level. Through long-term efforts, the cultural level of PCC cadres has risen significantly, and the Party's leadership ability and governing level have markedly improved." Furthermore, Cuban organizations such as the Young Communist League (UJC) and trade unions have their own schools at various levels to train their respective cadres. This has played an important role in maintaining the advanced nature, purity, and combat effectiveness of Party members. To increase the intensity of cadre training, Cuba established the Higher Academy of State and Government Cadres in October 2011, aiming to improve the comprehensive quality of senior cadres to meet the needs of Party building under new circumstances. The academy offers courses in public administration and corporate management, usually lasting two months. Moreover, to meet the learning needs of cadres, the academy has established branch schools across the country, basically achieving full training coverage.
Second, emphasizing the localization and nationalization of theory. Marxism-Leninism is not rigid or immutable; it must advance with the times. Based on new situations and changes, the PCC realistically modified the Party Constitution to include Martí thought [5], expanding its ideological inclusivity. José Martí's thought is the essence of Cuba's indigenous culture; its essence lies in unity, sharing, diligence, and wisdom. Fidel Castro believed that the Cuban Revolution originated from the combination of Marxism-Leninism and Martí thought, and that the revolution required the continued integration of these two theories. Furthermore, the PCC established the "Martí Program Association" and distributed the Martí Manual in party schools, training centers, and schools at all levels. At the Fourth National Congress, the PCC wrote Martí thought into the Party Constitution. This was a great pioneering undertaking in the PCC's Party building, highlighting the indigenous nature of the PCC while greatly enhancing the masses’ identification with the Party. Since Raúl Castro assumed the top leadership of the PCC, he has proposed the goal of "defending, perfecting, and developing socialism" and a value orientation unifying "fairness and efficiency," which represents an innovation in the localization of Marxist theory. As a flagship figure and important leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro enjoys high prestige within the PCC and among the masses. "Fidel Thought," named after him and shaped by him, is a precious spiritual asset and theoretical treasure of the Cuban nation.
Finally, emphasizing ideological and political education for youth. In April 2021, the PCC held its Eighth National Congress. At this congress, the PCC placed unprecedented importance on the Party's ideological education work, requiring the "gradual updating of management levels and organizational structures, increasing the political discourse power of youth groups, and ensuring that Young Communist League cadres continue to supply talent to the Party." The year 2022 marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban Young Communist League and the 61st anniversary of the José Martí Pioneers Organization. To this end, Cuba held a series of activities to enhance interaction and exchange with youth groups and strengthen youth ideological work. Examples include awarding honorary medals to advanced youth, revealing the truth of the "July 11 protests" [6] to young students, and focusing on developing Party members among youth groups. Furthermore, the Eighth Congress of the PCC proposed strengthening political and humanistic care for youth: "The power of youth must be exerted in all aspects, especially politically; continuous attention and contact with the Young Communist League and youth groups must be strengthened; and communication, debate, and dialogue must be enhanced through various means. Attention should be paid to uniting and leading youth on the internet and other informal fields, enabling youth to participate increasingly actively in the country's political, economic, and social processes."
II. Unremittingly Carrying Out the Anti-Corruption Struggle
The PCC regards corruption as a betrayal of the motherland; if the Party does not persist in resisting corruption and preventing degeneration, the Cuban socialist regime could not last for a single day. In the 1989 anti-corruption campaign, several high-ranking officers—including Division General Arnaldo Ochoa and Minister of the Interior Division General José Abrantes—were arrested or dismissed. Despite being a hero of the victory of the Cuban Revolution, Ochoa was arrested for using his position to collaborate with others in drug trafficking and smuggling activities. José Abrantes was dismissed primarily for serious dereliction of duty; he was apparently unaware that nine officers in the Ministry of the Interior were involved in smuggling and drug trafficking. This demonstrates that the PCC handles cadres who violate discipline and law or engage in corruption with no leniency, regardless of how high their position may be.
The PCC believes that socialism is the "science of example." Therefore, the governing Communist Party must set a good example, standardize the moral behavior of Party members and cadres, and eradicate corruption. Since the central leaders and provincial or ministerial-level leaders of the PCC do not have specialized villas or official residences—most of them live among the masses—PCC leaders are under the constant supervision of the masses. To this end, Cuba specially established the Ministry of Audit and Supervision in 2001 to better punish corrupt acts. During the 2004 anti-corruption campaign, members of the Political Bureau went to various regions to inspect the implementation of anti-corruption actions. In this campaign, 13,000 unqualified Party members were promptly purged, and more than 40,000 members received Party disciplinary actions or criticism and education. The PCC resolutely dismisses leading cadres who embezzle more than $300 and ensures they are prosecuted according to the law. In 2006, Juan Carlos Robinson Agramonte, a member of the PCC Central Political Bureau, was expelled from the Party for abuse of power and sentenced to 12 years in prison. In May 2010, the PCC Political Bureau requested the resignation of three Political Bureau members, including the Vice President of the Council of Ministers, because their dereliction of duty had harmed the interests of the Party and the people. In December 2011, the Third Plenary Session of the Sixth Central Committee of the PCC passed a resolution stipulating that all corrupt elements would be expelled from the Party. In 2012, the PCC Central Committee passed the resolution on "Party Work Objectives," explicitly including the anti-corruption struggle as a key component of Party building work and putting forward specific requirements for the style of work of Party members and cadres. In December 2020, in the notification for the Eighth National Congress, the PCC specially emphasized the need to continuously struggle against corruption, crime, violations of social discipline, and other negative phenomena.
Strengthening the supervision of Party members and cadres in an all-round way. To achieve full coverage of supervision over cadres, the PCC launched the construction of a "unified national surveillance system." The main body of this mechanism is composed of the PCC, mass organizations, and civil organizations, aiming to mobilize the masses to participate in reporting and supervising the illegal acts of cadres. Simultaneously, to avoid wrongful convictions and maintain the impartiality of the supervisory organs, the PCC also established a Special Appeals Committee. This committee ensures the authority of the inner-Party supervisory organs while guaranteeing their efficient operation. To strictly enforce Party discipline and strengthen the intensity of disciplinary execution, the PCC "prescribed corresponding accountability and punishment measures, as well as strict procedures for the application of each measure, for members who violate the Party Constitution, discipline, or policies, and for Party organs and primary-level organizations that violate Party principles or lines, by promulgating the Regulations for the Application of Penalties of the Communist Party of Cuba. This not only compels cadres to strictly abide by Party regulations but also protects their basic rights."
III. Consolidating the Hearts of the People by Serving Livelihoods
The PCC proposed economic reform policies at its Fourth Congress and the development strategy that "beans are more important than cannons" at its Fifth Congress. Subsequently, it issued a series of policies to achieve sustained economic growth. The annual growth rate rose from 0.7% in 1994 to 5% in 2004 and reached 12.5% in 2007; even during the 2008 economic crisis, it maintained a growth rate of 4.3%. Although Cuba's overall level of productive forces is not high, the Party has always focused on economic development to continuously improve the people’s living standards.
With the progress of economic reform, social and economic distribution inequality also appeared in Cuba. After realizing the severity of the problem, the Cuban government decided to overcome the issue of unfair income distribution through fiscal allocations. Regardless of how much economic and diplomatic pressure it faces, Cuba has never stopped investing in public welfare and social benefits. Under the leadership of figures like [Fidel] Castro, the PCC has adhered to the socialist principles of fairness and justice, exploring various measures and policies conducive to the healthy development of the Cuban people and society. It has realized the right to free education and free medical care for everyone, maintaining the basic human rights of the Cuban people.
Cuba’s most prominent achievements lie primarily in two areas: education and healthcare. Fidel Castro prioritized the development of education as a core objective for economic and social progress. To reduce illiteracy, Cuba launched a "literacy campaign" shortly after the victory of the revolution and subsequently perfected a multi-tiered educational system ranging from preschool and vocational training to higher education. In 1961, the Cuban government promulgated the Law on the Nationalization of Education and announced the decision to implement free education. Regardless of the economic hardships encountered, Cuba has consistently maintained sufficient investment in education to ensure that all citizens stand on equal footing in their right to education. Although 1990 was the most difficult year for the Cuban economy, the country did not reduce its educational funding; in fact, its education budget was more than double its military spending. In September 2002, statistics released by international organizations such as UNESCO indicated that in a survey of seven education-related indicators, Cuba ranked first or shared the top position with other developed nations in six categories, with only one ranking slightly lower than two other countries. Furthermore, Cuba has the highest teacher-to-population ratio in the world, with one teacher for every 42.23 people, while Denmark, ranked second, has one for every 53.6 people. Since the victory of the revolution, educational investment has increased steadily, reaching 12.9% of GDP by 2010. Cuba implements universal free education, with all costs borne by the state. Regardless of the economic climate, the government strives to provide reliable material guarantees for educational development. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), Cuba has become a learning society where the comprehensive quality of the citizenry continues to rise.
Under Castro’s leadership and support, Cuba rapidly established a national public medical system. The country has engaged in continuous exploration of the forms of universal public healthcare, eventually establishing a "three-tier medical" security system across the nation. Cuba enshrined the right of all citizens to healthcare in its Constitution; medical treatment is free for all, unrestricted by an individual's economic status. In addition to receiving free medical treatment during hospitalization, patients are provided with three meals a day and daily necessities by the hospital. Furthermore, Cuba implements a family doctor system, enabling the broad masses of residents to enjoy convenient, fast, and safe health services. In his report to the 5th National Congress of the PCC, Castro pointed out that healthcare remains free of charge because it constitutes a basic welfare benefit provided by the state to the people without compensation, representing one of the essential characteristics of the revolution. Cuba’s investment in public health is substantial. Currently, the country has 350,000 healthcare workers and 70,000 doctors, including over 30,000 family doctors, achieving a coverage rate of 99.4%. Although Cuba is a developing country, it has achieved equal health rights for everyone. Moreover, the social security and welfare systems—including universal healthcare and education established during the long-term process of socialist construction—fully demonstrate the superiority of the Cuban socialist system. These are socialist achievements of which the country is justly proud and constitute a primary reason for its powerful appeal.
Beyond this, the PCC has vigorously promoted social construction. The Ninth Ordinary Session of the Ninth National Assembly of People’s Power voted to approve the new Family Code [7], which was promulgated and implemented in September 2022. The new Cuban Family Code aims to expand the protection of children and adolescents in special and disastrous circumstances and strengthen emergency protection for victims of discrimination and violence. It emphasizes gender equality within the family and strengthens shared responsibility for domestic labor and childcare. After the 8th National Congress, the PCC prioritized food security for the first time. The shock caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to the global food market has also confirmed the importance of food for the survival of a nation, especially a small one. In September 2021, the Central Bank of Cuba allocated 447 million pesos for rice cultivation projects. Simultaneously, Cuba has strengthened cooperation in the agricultural field with countries such as China, Vietnam, and Japan, hiring foreign experts to restore and renovate food irrigation systems, which has already led to increased production in some grain-producing areas.
IV. Adhering to the Mass Line and Maintaining Close Ties Between the Party and the Masses
The PCC believes that a key factor in the collapse of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was its neglect of the Party’s mass work. To this end, the PCC has established a mechanism for leading cadres to conduct regular inspections at the grassroots level, requiring cadres at all levels to participate in collective and public welfare activities organized by communities. The PCC established a system for members of the Political Bureau to inspect the grassroots, mandating that every member must regularly conduct field research at the primary level each year, go deep into the grassroots, and preside over meetings of grassroots cadres and masses. Following the research, they must also write an inspection report. Furthermore, the PCC strengthens its ties with the masses through various political organizations, including mass organizations and social groups for workers, students, women, and small farmers. Additionally, Cuba established the “Committees for the Defense of the Revolution” (CDRs) [8]. Together, these mass organizations cover nearly 100% of the citizenry. The CDR is Cuba’s most extensive mass organization, with members accounting for over 90% of the population aged 14 and older. The PCC has established "Centers for the Study of Public Opinion and Socio-Political Situations" at the central, provincial, and municipal levels, primarily responsible for collecting public opinion and feedback, reporting these opinions to the Central Committee regularly, and providing timely responses.
Cuba’s top leaders take the lead by setting an example of integrity and self-discipline. PCC leaders possess no special privileges and do not engage in "exceptionalism." As the primary founder of the PCC, Fidel Castro possessed a will of steel and a fiery passion for the cause he served. His lifestyle was extremely simple, with a monthly salary of only 750 pesos (approximately 30 USD), the lowest among all heads of state in the world. He took the lead in signing the Code of Ethics for State Cadres, requiring cadres at all levels to serve as impeccable moral role models. Castro’s name has global influence; the outside world often came to know Cuba through knowing him first. In Cuba, the salaries of Party and government cadres are completely transparent, and regulations prohibit them from engaging in secondary occupations. This means that Castro had no income other than his salary, from which he also had to pay Party dues and rent. Castro believed that only by setting an example could Party members and cadres possess prestige and appeal among the masses, thereby consolidating the Party’s leading position. During the period of land reform in Cuba, he was the first to unconditionally surrender all 13,000 hectares of his family’s land to the public. He also turned over millions of dollars worth of gifts received during international state visits to the Havana city historians. Among PCC leaders, except for Fidel and Raúl Castro, all other Party and government officials use ordinary Lada sedans; in fact, many Cuban leaders commute to work by bicycle. Furthermore, the Cuban government has a regulation that any public vehicle with a red or blue license plate must pick up ordinary citizens along the way if there are empty seats. Regarding housing, most housing for Cuban workers is allocated uniformly based on actual need rather than official rank. Except for a few leaders with official residences, Cuba has not built separate residential areas for leading cadres; most leaders live dispersed within ordinary residential neighborhoods. In terms of daily supplies, Party and government officials have no "special provisions" (tègòng) [9]; in terms of medical care, except for a few top leaders, all leading cadres go to general hospitals for treatment just like the masses.
National regulations dictate that the salaries of cadres in Party and government organs must not exceed those of enterprise leaders at the same level; the salary of a Cuban minister remains lower than that of professors and scientific researchers. Within the PCC, there are no material rewards for the motivation of cadres. For outstanding cadres recognized by the masses, the PCC issues certificates of honor, such as Party membership cards and Cadre Certificates of Honor. The Party card serves as proof of membership and represents a high political honor. The Certificate of Honor is issued by the Party organization to full-time Party cadres who have served for five years; these certificates bear Fidel Castro’s seal and are presented on very solemn occasions to instill a special sense of honor in the recipients.
The masses participate in the formulation of Party policies. In Cuba, major policies concerning the national economy and people’s livelihood must gain the approval of the majority of the masses before being decided upon and implemented. For example, Cuba’s defense, education, and healthcare sectors are not open to foreign investment—a result of comprehensive investigation, understanding, and discussion. This is because Party building itself inherently includes "constant dialogue with the masses; the Party must be adept at listening to the views and opinions of the masses" [12]. To date, the PCC has held eight National Congresses, each proposing new guidelines and policies. The 4th National Congress of the PCC was held in October 1991 under conditions of unprecedented difficulty, discussing issues related to Cuba’s destiny and future. The PCC decided to organize a nationwide great discussion. Eighteen months before the 4th Congress, the PCC Central Committee issued a "Call" for the congress to the entire nation, urging the people to pay attention to the major affairs of the Party and the state. Subsequently, the PCC mobilized the entire Party and nation to deliberate on the "Call," allowing citizens to express their opinions freely while also requiring Party cadres to actively guide the masses and defend the Party’s position. Such a large-scale mobilization of the masses by the PCC is extremely rare globally. This great discussion "lasted for several months, with 3.5 million people participating nationwide and putting forward more than 1.2 million opinions, including many sharp criticisms." Through this discussion, the relationship between the PCC and the masses became even closer.
Channels for expressing public opinion are kept open. In Party-mass relations, the PCC places special emphasis on extensive and profound exchange and expression rather than absolute consensus, ensuring that the masses can truly and effectively voice their opinions. The drafting of the political documents for the 5th Congress fully embodied the principles of mass participation and open communication channels; the draft documents were submitted for discussion both inside and outside the Party five months in advance, with over 6.5 million people participating. From its release on November 7, 2010, to February 7, 2011, the 6th Congress document, Guidelines on Economic and Social Policy (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines), generated a total of 2.346 million opinions, with over 7 million Cuban residents participating in discussions and more than 3 million speaking at meetings. Through these great discussions, the PCC Central Committee supplemented and perfected 181 articles of the original Guidelines and merged corresponding items. The political resolution passed by the 8th Congress proposed the institutionalization and standardization of Party-mass relations, which will further improve the mechanism for expressing public opinion and tighten the bonds between the Party and the masses.
V. Conclusion
Cuban socialism is a product of the global proletarian national-democratic liberation movement following World War II. To this day, the Communist Party of Cuba has successfully held power for half a century. Under the leadership of the PCC, the Cuban people have remained united and devoted to their motherland, overcoming the "dual pressure" of the US blockade and the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. This has not only kept the red flag flying in Cuba but has also led to great achievements in socialist construction and a relatively successful record in Party building.
A Marxist governing party must consciously accept the supervision of the masses. Members of the PCC must accept mass supervision from the moment they join; admission to the Party requires recommendation by the masses and their certification of the candidate’s character to ensure that PCC members are recognized and supported by the people from the start. In addition to establishing appeals committees at all levels to leverage institutional supervision, Cuba places great emphasis on relying on the power of the masses to strengthen oversight. For the PCC, the power of mass supervision is a form of "external" (yìtǐ) [10] supervision that is immense and unrestricted by time or space. Its strength derives from the equality in lifestyles between PCC cadres and the masses. The exercise of mass supervision not only serves to curb corruption but also brings the Party and the masses closer, solidifying the heart of the Party and the people and enhancing the Party’s prestige.
A Marxist governing party must maintain a good "work style" (zuòfēng). The PCC adheres to a principle called "National Harmony," meaning that all major policies must involve the broad mobilization of the masses for participation and research before the Central Committee makes a centralized decision, striving to reflect the will of the masses to the maximum extent. Consultative democracy has promoted the effective participation of the Cuban people in discussing and deciding on national policies; the idea that "the participation of the people is the core of democracy" has become a consensus among the masses. The PCC believes that the Party must hold its own high responsibilities; members need to maintain the moral character, authority, prestige, and revolutionary exemplary role expected of Communists. Cadres at all levels must take the lead in being honest, benevolent, disciplined, responsible, and clean and selfless. The PCC has normalized the practice of going deep into the grassroots and the masses. Furthermore, the PCC Central Committee has established a regular inspection system for leading cadres and conducts direct dialogue activities between leaders and the grassroots masses.
A Marxist ruling party must persist in theoretical innovation. "Only by consolidating the roots of the Party's national character and localization can the Party obtain a continuous source of momentum and its cause gain exuberant vitality." Marxism can only innovate and develop while advancing with the times if it is integrated with a country's specific national conditions and rooted in its national culture. Despite encountering numerous challenges in the construction of the socialist path, the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) has consistently held high the great banner of Marxism-Leninism, persisted in socialist practice with localized characteristics, and promoted the development of 21st-century Marxism.
A Marxist ruling party must leverage the role of primary-level organizations and focus on building the Party’s strong fortresses. The Communist Party of Cuba maintains that every Party organ should listen to the demands of the masses in a timely manner and respond to them earnestly and swiftly. To exert the Party’s advantage in connecting with the masses, it is essential to strengthen the Party’s organizational construction. Only by prioritizing the construction of primary-level organizations can the PCC normalize the supervision of the ruling party by the masses and integrate itself with the masses, thereby enhancing the Party's cohesion and centripetal force.
( About the Author: Liang Xiaoyu, born in 1984, Professor in the Department of Party Building Teaching and Research at the Party School of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the CPC, PhD in Law ) Internet Editor: Tongxin Source: Heilongjiang Social Sciences, 2023, No. 3.