TEHRAN (Iran News) – Manuel Marrero Cruz has been named as Cuba first prime minister, taking a political post that had been abolished more than four decades ago. President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday named 56-year-old Marrero — who served as Cuba’s tourism minister for almost 16 years — as head of the government for a five-year […]
TEHRAN (Iran News) – Manuel Marrero Cruz has been named as Cuba first prime minister, taking a political post that had been abolished more than four decades ago.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday named 56-year-old Marrero — who served as Cuba’s tourism minister for almost 16 years — as head of the government for a five-year term.
The post was last held by charismatic leader Fidel Castro in 1976. But it was abolished when Castro transitioned to the presidency, taking over from Osvaldo Dorticos after the country’s constitution was restructured.
A newer constitution was recognized in Cuba late last year, reviving the prime ministerial position and delegating some of the president’s responsibilities to the prime minister.
The premier has the power to hire and fire state employees and is in overall control of provincial governors — another position restored under the new constitution.
He is nominated by the president and approved by the National Assembly.
The revival of the prime minister’s post in Cuba is seen as part of a process of decentralization and generational change.
Earlier this year, a new constitution, approved, will maintain the Communist Party as the country’s guiding force and the state’s dominance of the economy but also legitimizes private business, which has thrived over the last decade.
The new constitution of Cuba also created the role of prime minister alongside the current president, as well as provincial governors.
- source : PressTV, Iran News
