Miguel Diaz-Canel Elected President of Cuba

Miguel Diaz-Canel was elected as the new president of Cuba on Thursday. This marks the first time in six decades that someone outside the Castro family has taken the leadership of Cuba. In his inaugural speech, Diaz-Canel promised to remain loyal to the values of the Cuban socialist revolution while also indicating that the Cuban economy needs modernization. Diaz-Canel is a veteran of the Communist Party, having risen through the ranks to higher positions. He brings an end to the rule of the Castro brothers that has lasted sixty years in Cuba. In the National Assembly of Cuba, during his first speech as president, he stated, 'The mission entrusted to us by the people is to continue the Cuban revolution in these decisive moments.' Fidel Castro led the revolution in Cuba in 1959 and took control of the country. He later handed over this position to his brother Raul due to illness. Although Raul Castro is no longer president, he will remain in the leadership of the Communist Party until 2021. At the beginning of his five-year presidency, Diaz-Canel outlined his goals, stating that he would defend the Cuban revolution while also pursuing necessary reforms to satisfy the younger generation and improve their economic conditions. He promised to maintain the foundation of the Cuban government and not implement significant changes, adding that Cuba would never return to capitalism. The new president also stated that he would not compromise on foreign policy but would participate in negotiations with any country that sees Cuba as an equal. Relations between Cuba and the United States soured in the years following the revolution, with the U.S. imposing many sanctions against Cuba. However, during Barack Obama's presidency, relations between the two countries were re-established. Since Donald Trump's presidency began, Washington has shown no willingness to continue the previous administration's foreign policy towards Cuba. In the National Assembly of Cuba during the election, 604 representatives were present, with 603 voting in favor of Miguel Diaz-Canel's presidency. The United States has yet to take an official position on the election and the political transition in Cuba.