2008 Woodie Awards
Castro's resignation unlikely to effect current Cuban politics
Cuba's first regime change in 50 years yields little hope for democracy
Jenn Atchinson
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: World Views
Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's President last Tuesday, February 19, as his failing health has kept him increasingly bedridden. This signaled the first formal regime change in Cuba in approximately fifty years. Castro had begun the transitional process in 2006 when an acute colon infection, from which he has never truly recovered, began to hamper his daily activities. At that time, he allotted his brother, Raul, "temporary power" while he recovered. In reality, Fidel continued to pull the political strings behind the scene, while not-so-subtle clashes over policy between the brothers often resulted in a complete stall of governmental function in the contested area.
Despite these conflicts, Castro's "appointment" comes as no surprise to those acquainted with Cuban politics. The National Assembly is formally vested with the ability to select the new head-of-state, but the odds weigh heavily against any deviation from the wishes of the elder Castro. His letter of resignation, submitted to the Granma, the official Communist Party publication, came days before the new President was to be formally named by the National Assembly.
President Bush, thrilled with the resignation, hoped the transition of power would signal democratic change in Cuba. In addition to appealing for free elections, Bush called for the release of Cuban political prisoners, however unlikely these requests are to be granted. In fact, Castro's selection of a filial successor signals his unwillingness to accommodate political change, regardless of his comment, in the letter to Granma, about allowing the "younger generation to assume power."
While the positions of various members in the former Castro regime are now uncertain, the legacy of Fidel's administration will likely remain intact. He also signaled that, while he will no longer be formally involved with the Cuban government, he will remain politically active within the Communist Party, contributing through various writings and speeches. In essence, Castro will remain involved to some extent within the new administration, and his brother, Raul, will perpetuate the Castro brand of Communism in Cuba.
Despite these conflicts, Castro's "appointment" comes as no surprise to those acquainted with Cuban politics. The National Assembly is formally vested with the ability to select the new head-of-state, but the odds weigh heavily against any deviation from the wishes of the elder Castro. His letter of resignation, submitted to the Granma, the official Communist Party publication, came days before the new President was to be formally named by the National Assembly.
President Bush, thrilled with the resignation, hoped the transition of power would signal democratic change in Cuba. In addition to appealing for free elections, Bush called for the release of Cuban political prisoners, however unlikely these requests are to be granted. In fact, Castro's selection of a filial successor signals his unwillingness to accommodate political change, regardless of his comment, in the letter to Granma, about allowing the "younger generation to assume power."
While the positions of various members in the former Castro regime are now uncertain, the legacy of Fidel's administration will likely remain intact. He also signaled that, while he will no longer be formally involved with the Cuban government, he will remain politically active within the Communist Party, contributing through various writings and speeches. In essence, Castro will remain involved to some extent within the new administration, and his brother, Raul, will perpetuate the Castro brand of Communism in Cuba.
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