Raul Castro announced his retirement from politics after his second presidential term ends in 2018.

This statement came yesterday morning, after President Castro appeared with his brother Fidel during the inauguration of the Eighth Legislature of the National Assembly in Cuba.

Raul Castro gave a short speech during the legislative session that was televised, where parliament had also named, Miguel Diaz-Canel, 52, as Vice President. Will Diaz-Canel be the future president of Cuba? He could possibly arise to the position if Raul Castro is not able to finish his presidential term.

From the moment that the Castro brothers appeared at the meeting of the National Assembly, a political change was speculated for the island, and that was to open a door to a new leader.

Raul Castro first assumed the Cuban presidency in 2008, when his brother Fidel Castro had to leave for health reasons.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com