Is Fidel Castro’s message, which hints at his possible retirement, a sign of his deteriorating health?
Not necessarily. It’s true that Fidel Castro has not been seen in public for more than a year, since hospitalisation. We’ve been seeing him in photos and on television. His absence from the public scene means that he’s been unwell and he can’t appear in public. But it does not necessarily imply that his health condition has deteriorated. This message also has political implications for Cuba: Cuba is due to hold parliamentary elections on Jan. 20 and the newly elected parliament will approve 31 members of the executive Council of State at its new session in March. Fidel Castro suggested that he would cede his position to younger people. Who is likely to succeed him? Many candidates are possible. Fidel’s brother Raul Castro had been temporarily handed power but Raul is 76-years-old. There are many possible candidates working with Raul and are between the ages 40-60. These are people known among Cubans and are potential leaders. Within the government there is Vice President Carlos Lage an
