50 years of revolutionary work: Honouring the anniversary of the First Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba

Via the Communist Party of Cuba, translated from the Spanish

The First Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), which began December 17, 1975, marked a transcendent moment in Cuba's history, serving to solidify the Revolution's institutional framework and chart the country's political, economic, and social direction for the future. It was not only a very successful congress, it was a living embodiment of the continuity of the ideals of independence, sovereignty, and social justice that have guided the cause of emancipation since its inception. National unity was reaffirmed as an essential principle and indispensable premise in the construction of the socialist project.

The meeting stressed that without political cohesion and revolutionary ethics it would not be possible to face internal challenges or external pressures. Discipline and ethics were erected as guiding values of militancy, guaranteeing that the political organization maintained its popular character and its permanent link with the masses. So much so that Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, when addressing the delegates, expressed confidence in the continuity of the historic movement, even if the members of the Central Committee or the participants gathered there were to suddenly be gone.

He stressed that the revolutionary work would continue "because behind them are the 200,000 communists who are not here, there is the entire people, the just cause and emancipatory ideas." In that founding meeting, 50 years ago, the PCC was conceived as a single party and was recognized as the leading force of society, capable of guiding the construction of socialism and firmly confronting errors and negative tendencies.

For Fidel, the establishment of institutional processes and norms that would evolve into a communal culture exemplified the strength of Cuba and its people.

Another crucial aspect of that historic event was the approval of key documents that shaped the direction of the socialist project in various areas, including economic and educational policy, women's equality, agrarian issues, artistic and literary culture, national scientific policy, and international relations. The Theses and Resolutions became references for political and social action, consolidating the institutional framework and defining guidelines for economic and social development. Among the numerous policies that benefit the masses, those related to women are particularly noteworthy.

The theses and resolutions concerning Cuban women emphasized their pivotal role in the fight for independence and in building socialism. They stated that equality should be a fundamental principle, free from formalities, ensuring women's access to education, employment, leadership roles, and involvement in political and economic activities. A principle mentioned by the leader of the revolutionary effort at that forum, which has defined the actions of militants, was the spirit of criticism and self-criticism. Fidel said that these "must be a guiding principle. And what should concern us all is, when we have to play the next hand, what will be the balance of successes and what will be the balance of errors."

The closing of the great meeting had a symbolic and profoundly popular character. Initially at the Karl Marx Theater, and subsequently during a large gathering at the Plaza of the Revolution 'José Martí', the Commander in Chief presented the resulting documents for the people's consideration. The response was overwhelming: with a show of hands, the people expressed their support for the agreements and declared the Communist Party of Cuba as the guarantor of the historical continuity of the emancipation process. On December 22, 1975, at the Karl Marx Theater, the Commander in Chief emphasized that "The revolutionary work is already secured against all potential contingencies." Prior to that, he stated: "As the socialist project becomes institutionalized, the role of the individual is diminishing; individuals and individual cadres are becoming less significant. This brings us great satisfaction, as it ensures the revolutionary cause is secure. We can all be confident in this.

All of us! From the most humble citizen of this country to the newborns entering the world today as this convention concludes." This significant event aligned with the 83rd anniversary of José Martí founding the Cuban Revolutionary Party, emphasizing the historical continuity between the independence movements and the Cuban socialist project. By linking itself with Martí's tradition, the PCC validated its role as heir to the independence struggles and as the protector of national sovereignty. Those were days of intense work that also reinforced the revolutionary group's dedication to international solidarity, positioning Cuba as part of a global movement for social justice and the emancipation of peoples. The First Congress of the PCC was much more than a political meeting: it represented the transition from a revolutionary movement to an organized socialist state, with defined structures and clear principles.

Its transcendence lies in having institutionalized the emancipatory efforts, reinforcing national unity, and envisioning the future of Cuban socialism, always placing the people at the forefront and with revolutionary ethics as a compass. With his enduring light that nothing and no one could extinguish, Fidel assured the delegates and the Cuban people half a century ago: "And we are sure that one day, as today we talk about what happened 50 years ago when a handful of men organized the first Communist Party, also 50 years from now, 100 years from now, your grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren will also speak of the First Congress."

Today, just as then, over 700,000 PCC militants and the vast majority of the Cuban people take pride in the political organization, its First Congress, and all its subsequent ones.

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