February 19, 2008

By Marc Frank (View author info)
Copyright Financial Times 2008

Fidel Castro is to step down as Cuba's president and commander in chief after 49 years at the helm, ending months of speculation over his political future, which began when he underwent abdominal surgery in July 2006. Cuba's parliament, elected in January, will name a new council of state, president and first vice president at its first session on Sunday. Raúl Castro, armed forces minister and first vice president of the council of state, 76, is widely expected to be named president after serving in the job since his older brother became ill. Cuba's new first vice president will not be a Castro for the first time since the post was created. Fidel Castro still holds his position as first secretary of the Communist Party, though Raúl, as second secretary, has reportedly functioned as its chief for a number of years.

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