While closing at Havana’s
Convention Center the First National Conference of the Cuban
Communist Party (PCC), he highlighted the democratic nature
of the preparatory process, with the participation of
members of the PCC and of the Young Communists League (UJC)
in the debates on the meeting’s draft document.
In the presence of over 800 delegates, Raul criticized those
who built their hopes up thinking that this Conference would
mark the beginning of the political and social dismantling
of the Revolution and wanted the restoration of the
multiparty model.
He added that the concept of a single Party is in full
correspondence with Article Five of the Constitution of the
Republic, approved in referendum by 97.7 percent of
electors, by way of free, direct and secret vote.
Raul reiterated that it’s necessary to promote, more and
more, greater democracy in Cuban society, starting by
setting an example from within Party ranks, which
presupposes, he added, the encouragement of an atmosphere of
maximum confidence an sincere exchange of opinions, both in
the heart of the organization and in its bonds with workers
and the population, including the mass media.
During his speech, the First Secretary of the PCC asserted
that, at the same time, the shaping of a more democratic
society will also contribute to overcome simulating and
opportunistic attitudes emerging under false unanimity and
formalism in the treatment of different situations of
national life.
The only thing that could lead to the defeat of the
Revolution and socialism in Cuba would be our inability to
overcome mistakes committed for over 50 years, since January
1st, 1959, new mistakes and future mistakes, he pointed out.
He called to strengthen unity around the Party and the
Revolution and also the permanent bond that exists with the
masses, and to preserve the Cuban nation and economic and
social achievements, on the basis of the fact that the
homeland, the Revolution and socialism are indissolubly
combined.
