Cuba’s aging leadership prepares for country’s future

Cuba

Cuba's aging leadership prepares for country's future.3

The majority of Cubans have only known a Castro in power. But, as the original leadership ages, Cuba is considering a new generation in leadership.

CCTV’s Michael Voss explains.

Raul Castro took over as president of Cuba after his brother Fidel Castro stepped down due to ill health after 47 years in charge. He has already announced that he will step down as president when the new parliament is elected in 2018, but what of his leadership of Cuba’s Communist Party?

Raul may remain as leader, but there could be a wholesale shakeup of the Communist Party’s inner cabinet, the Politburo, where the majority of members are in their 70’s and 80’s.

Miguel Diez-Canel (R) is the heir apparent to take over for President Raul Castro. Seen here at a recent banquet for U.S. President Barack Obama (L).

Miguel Diez-Canel (R) is the heir apparent to take over for President Raul Castro. Seen here at a recent banquet for U.S. President Barack Obama (L).

One man to look out for is 55-year-old Miguel Diez-Canel, widely considered Raul Castro’s heir apparent to the presidency. If, in this congress, he is promoted to the number two position in the party, then his ascension to the presidency looks assured. 

But, there are other younger party leaders waiting in the wings. Many are provincial party bosses who have executive experience, handling budgets and implementing Raul Castro’s reforms.

“The general secretaries of the communist party in the 15 provinces, their average age is 46 years old,” Rafael Hernandez, Editor at Temas magazine said. “So, where is the younger political generation? It is right there – it is already leading the party in each one of the 15 provinces.”