For years the opponents of Cuba’s socialist revolution pegged the system’s downfall to the inevitable death of its revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro. Yet, almost two years after Castro’s death, there have been no major protests on the streets of Havana and no popular uprising against the ruling Communist Party.
When Fidel became too old and was no longer unable to govern, he ensured his socialist revolution would continue by handing power over to the one person he knew would continue what he had started — his brother, Raul Castro. Yet Raul made some significant changes during his time, including the gradual easing of restrictions on the internet and the modest opening up of the economy including allowing people to run their own businesses.
In April of this year Raul stepped down as head of state following the election of Miguel Dias-Canel as the new President of Cuba. For the first time in almost 6o years Cuba is without a Castro at the helm. The new President faces some real challenges including a weak economy, deteriorating relations with Washington under the administration of Donald Trump and a growing chorus of domestic critics produced as a result of the growth of the internet. It’s a tricky balance getting the pace of change right so as not to alienate Communist Party conservatives on the one hand and impatient reformers on the other. For now at least change appears to be careful, modest and gradual.
If you would like to see and experience all that this unique and intriguing island nation has to offer, why not join the next 14 Days Byroads Rhythms of Cuba trip which starts in Havana on the 16th of February 2019? This trip also combines perfectly with the Byroads 15 Days Mexico & the Yucatan trip starting in Mexico City on the 1st of February 2019.