Raul Castro has been named the new president of Cuba, taking over for his brother Fidel Castro. The selection of Raul Castro, 76, to head the Council of State had been widely predicted, because he stood loyally by his brother’s side throughout a 49-year rule.
After years in Fidel’s charismatic shadow as Cuba’s number two and defense minister, Raul Castro faces massive challenges, including preparing the transition of power to a newer generation and reforming the economy.
The vote came just five days after the ailing 81-year-old president said he was retiring, capping a career in which he frustrated efforts by 10 U.S. presidents to oust him.
Speaking on the health of Fidel Castro, he stated that he is alive and alert.
He spoke, saying “Fidel is Fidel, you know that well. He is irreplaceable and the people will continue his work even though he is not physically here.”
Raul has kept a low profile, seemingly content to live in his brother’s shadow. Still, those who have watched him say he should not be underestimated.
This is the first time since 1959 that a man other than Fidel Castro is in power of Cuba.
He stated that a new “more compact structure is required” now.
Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public since his illness, had announced Tuesday that he would retire from the post, although he remains head of the Communist Party and an influential figure behind the scenes.
The 76-year-old Raul spoke very calmy in his first half-hour speech, with high expectations in the eyes of all in Cuba.