HAVANA — Raul Castro signaled a new leadership style in comments published Thursday, promising fewer speeches, more power sharing, and a willingness to hear different views as he fills in for his "irreplaceable" brother Fidel.

The Communist Party newspaper Granma said Raul Castro told about 800 university leaders they should "fearlessly" engage in public debate and analysis — expressing a different leadership style than that of his 80-year-old brother.

"The first principle in constructing any armed forces is the sole command," said the younger Castro, who became Cuba's provisional leader five months ago when Fidel Castro stepped aside after emergency intestinal surgery. "But that doesn't mean that we cannot discuss. That way we reach decisions, and I'm talking about big decisions."

Fidel Castro's nearly five-decade rule as Cuba's "Maximum Leader" was characterized by meandering, hourslong speeches, unquestioned decisions and micromanagement of government programs and policies.

After announcing his illness on July 31, Fidel Castro named six trusted people to run key projects he had handled alone. Raul, Cuba's defense minister since 1959 and his brother's long constitutionally designated successor, was given temporary powers as president and head of the ruling Communist Party.

Although some Cuban officials have insisted Fidel Castro will return to power, they privately acknowledge that it is unlikely he will come back in the same all-powerful role. Last seen in public on July 26, his condition has been kept as a state secret.

"This is just one more signal (Raul) has a different style and could set a different direction," said Phil Peters, a Cuba expert.

"It's already known that he is not allergic to economic reform," added Peters, of the Lexington Institute think tank in suburban Washington. "He seems to be saying that under his leadership no one will be penalized for a different point of view. I would think that Cubans would react to that cautiously, but positively."

Raul Castro is largely seen as a pragmatist more likely to embrace limited free enterprise than his brother.

He has expressed interest in China's model of capitalist reform with one-party political control.

"What really counts isn't whether there is debate — Cubans argue every day of the week — but whether he will open up the boundaries so new ideas are heard," Peters said.