Havana – There was no sign of a convalescing Fidel Castro as hundreds of thousands of Cubans marched through Havana’s Revolution Plaza to celebrate May Day, casting new doubts on his recovery and whether he will return to power.
Tuesday marked only the third time in nearly five decades that Castro has missed the sweeping International Workers’ Day festivities – a major celebration here and around the world.
While recent images of Castro meeting with Chinese leaders indicated he had improved considerably since undergoing emergency surgery nine months ago, his absence at the parade through Revolution Plaza raised questions about whether he is strong enough to run the country.
The 80-year-old leader has missed two other major events since announcing his illness on July 31 and temporarily ceding power to his 75-year-old brother, Raul Castro, the defense minister.
“It now seems more unlikely than before that he will fully resume the presidency,” said Wayne Smith, the former head of the American mission in Havana. “And the more time that passes, the more unlikely it seems.”
Although Cuban life is little changed under Raul’s leadership, loyalists missed the energy Fidel brought to events such as May Day.
“Everyone wanted to see him, but it’s good that he recovers completely,” said 68-year-old hotel worker Victor Reyes, who was among the marchers.
