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1 (October 23, 2007)

handle is hein.crs/crsmthabemr0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS22742 October 23, 2007 a CRS Report for Congress Cuba's Political Succession: From Fidel to Raul Castro Mark P. Sullivan Specialist in Latin American Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary Since Fidel Castro stepped down from power in late July 2006, Cuba's political succession from Fidel to Rafl Castro has been characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. While there have not been any significant economic changes under Rafl, there are signs that some changes could be coming. In a July 26, 2007 speech, Rafl maintained that structural changes were needed in the Cuban economy in order to increase efficiency and production. Moreover, expectations for economic change are increasing in Cuba. Cuba's stable political succession from one communist leader to another raises questions about the future direction of U.S. policy, which currently presumes a democratic transition after the departure of Fidel. This report will not be updated. For developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba, see CRS Report RL33819, Cuba. Issues for the 110h Congress; and CRS Report RL31139, Cuba. U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances. For background and analysis in the aftermath of Fidel Castro's stepping down from power in July 2006, see CRS Report RL33622, Cuba's Future Political Scenarios and U.S. Policy Approaches. Cuban Developments Stable Succession. It has now been more than a year since Fidel Castro ceded provisional control of the government and the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) to his brother Rafl on July 31, 2006 because of poor health. While initially many observers forecast Rafl' s assumption of power as temporary, it soon became clear that a permanent succession of political power had occurred. Fidel's health improved in 2007, and he allegedly has authored numerous essays in Cuba's state-run press, but his condition has remained weak, and most observers contend that he will not resume his previous duties in the Cuban government. Whether Fidel will retain his titular positions as head of state and government and leader of the party remains unclear. Cuba has already begun the process for municipal and provincial elections that will ultimately lead to legislative elections for the National Assembly of People's Power in early 2008, potentially in March. An important question Congressional Research Service The Library of Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

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