Raul Castro begins his second term as president in Cuba

Fidel and Raul Castro

The President of Cuba, Raul Castro, confirmed yesterday the beginning of his second mandate, noting that this will be his last.  He also announced that he will add to the Constitution a limit to the political office to a maximum of 10 years and an age limit to fill those responsibilities.

“In my case, with independence of the date on which the Constitution is perfected, this is the last mandate,” said General Castro, 81, during his speech yesterday, Sunday February 24, before the National Assembly after being ratified by the camera. His government will end in 2018.

The Cuban president’s decision arises from the “particular historical significance” and “represents a defining step in shaping the future direction of the country, through the gradual and orderly transfer of the key positions to the new generation .”