Cuban Council of State

Cuban Council of State. The Council of State is a key organ of state power in Cuba, functioning as the permanent body of the National Assembly of People's Power and representing it between legislative sessions. Established by the 1976 Constitution, it holds both executive and legislative authority, with its president serving as the head of state and head of government. The council is elected by the National Assembly from among its deputies and is responsible to it for its actions.

History

The Council of State was created with the adoption of the socialist Constitution of Cuba in 1976, replacing the previous executive structure under the 1940 Constitution. Its formation was part of a broader institutionalization of the Cuban Revolution's governance model, influenced by Marxism-Leninism and the political systems of the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc nations. The first council was elected by the newly established National Assembly of People's Power in December 1976, with Fidel Castro becoming its inaugural president, succeeding his role as Prime Minister under the Council of Ministers. Throughout the Cold War, the council was central to Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union and its policies during events like the Nicaraguan Revolution and the Angolan Civil War. Its constitutional role and powers were reaffirmed in subsequent constitutional reforms, including the 2019 Constitution.

Composition and election

The Council of State is composed of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and other members, all of whom are elected via a secret ballot by the National Assembly of People's Power from among its deputies. The total number of members is determined by the National Assembly, typically consisting of 31 individuals. The President of the Council of State, who is also the President of the Republic, is proposed by a candidacy commission within the National Assembly following extensive consultation with mass organizations like the Communist Party of Cuba, the Federation of Cuban Women, and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution. The election occurs during the inaugural session of a new National Assembly following general elections, and members serve for a term concurrent with that of the assembly, which is five years.

Powers and functions

The Council of State exercises significant authority, including convening sessions of the National Assembly of People's Power, issuing decree-laws between its sessions, and providing a binding interpretation of existing laws. It oversees the work of the Council of Ministers, the People's Supreme Court, and the Attorney General's Office. The council holds the power to declare a state of emergency and general mobilization in response to aggression, as outlined in the National Defense Law. It also ratifies international treaties, grants pardons, and confers honorary titles and state awards like the Order of José Martí. Furthermore, it appoints and recalls diplomatic representatives, such as ambassadors to the United Nations and other nations.

Relationship with other state bodies

The Council of State operates under the direction of and is accountable to the National Assembly of People's Power, to which it must submit its important decisions for approval. It closely coordinates with the Council of Ministers, the highest executive and administrative body, which is headed by the same individual serving as President of the Council of State. This structure centralizes leadership, as seen with figures like Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, and Miguel Díaz-Canel. The council also interacts with the People's Supreme Court on judicial matters and the Office of the Attorney General of Cuba on legal oversight. While distinct, the council's work is guided by the policies of the Communist Party of Cuba, whose First Secretary has historically also served as President of the Council of State.

List of presidents

The President of the Council of State serves as the head of state and government. The list of presidents is: * Fidel Castro (1976–2008) – Also served as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. * Raúl Castro (2008–2018) – Previously served as Vice President of the Council of State and Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. * Miguel Díaz-Canel (2018–present) – Previously served as Vice President of the Council of State and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba following Raúl Castro.

Category:Government of Cuba Category:National legislatures Category:1976 establishments in Cuba