Raul Castro taking over Cuba may lead to more economic freedom

The death of Fidel Castro this past Friday, has caused many emotions and raised many questions. But one thing is for sure with Fidel gone, his brother Raul will continue to run Cuba.

Salisbury University political science professor, Dr. Eric Rittinger tells 47 ABC that there was a divide between the brothers, as Raul felt constrained in the types of reforms that he wanted to implement.

Dr. Rittinger states that Raul may be forced to make some economic reforms for the sake of Cuba’s economic status.

Dr. Rittinger says Raul would most likely want to remain a strong political control but have greater economic freedom. 

Raul wants to grant more internet access, wants more of a free market for economic activity, and would like to allow Cubans to have some private business.

Dr. Rittinger says it will be hard for Raul to grant economic freedom while trying to restrict Cuba’s political freedom.

And a lot of that depends on the United States and what our new president elect, Donald Trump and his administration will do if Trump decides to continue any relations with Cuba.

Dr. Rittinger says that with great U.S. presence on the island, it actually might inspire greater political reforms or it might make it more difficult to maintain that political control.

Now Dr. Rittinger says Raul would be more inclined with the new reforms, if the Trump administration continues on the same course taken by the Obama administration.