Cuba names its first prime minister since Fidel Castro became President in 1976 as tourism chief Manuel Marrero Cruz, 56, is handed top job
- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel named Marrero prime minister today
- The position of prime minister was last held by Fidel Castro from 1959 to 1976
- Now, the PM is nominated by Diaz-Canel and approved by National Assembly
Cuba has named it’s first prime minister since Fidel Castro became president in 1976.
Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, 56, was today handed the top job with his confirmation by the National Assembly to follow later today.
Marrero has been tourism minister for 16 years, presiding over a rise in visitors and a hotel construction boom that has made tourism one of the most important sectors of the Cuban economy.
Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, 56, (centre) was today made Cuba’s first prime minister since Fidel Castro became president in 1976
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel cited Marrero’s experience in negotiating with foreign investors as one of his prime qualifications, according to state media.
Marrero has been tourism minister for 16 years, presiding over a rise in visitors and a hotel construction boom that has made tourism one of the most important sectors of the Cuban economy. Pictured: Marrero hugging Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel
The position of prime minister was held by Fidel Castro from 1959 to 1976, when a new constitution changed his title to president and eliminated the post of prime minister.
Castro and his brother Raúl held the presidential post along with Cuba’s other highest positions, like Communist Party leader, until this year.
Raúl Castro stepped down as president and a new constitution divided the president’s responsibilities between Castro’s successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel, and the new post of prime minister.
The new constitution envisions the prime minister as responsible for the daily operations of government as head of the Council of Ministers.
The prime minister has a five-year term and is nominated by Diaz-Canel and approved by the National Assembly, which unanimously approves every proposal put before it, with one known exception in recent history.
Raúl Castro (left) stepped down as president and a new constitution divided the president’s responsibilities between Castro’s successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel (right), and the new post of prime minister