A still convalescing Fidel Castro appeared to reassert his leadership over Cuba on Monday, issuing a “manifesto” in which he emphasised defence readiness, appeared to squash hopes of market reforms and urged Cubans not to expect big improvements in their lives.

The long statement, covering the front page of the Communist party newspaper Granma, was Mr Castro’s first manifesto and comment on domestic issues since temporarily handing over power to his brother Raúl, defence minister, last July.