Esteban Lazo Hernández

Esteban Lazo Hernández is a senior Cuban politician and a prominent figure in the Communist Party of Cuba. He has served as the President of the National Assembly of People's Power, Cuba's legislative body, since 2013, making him the head of state under the nation's constitution. A long-standing member of the party's Politburo, Lazo has held key positions in the Council of State and has been a central figure in representing Cuba in major international forums, including the United Nations and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Early life and education

Born in the town of Jovellanos in Matanzas Province, he came from a humble background as the son of a sugarcane cutter. He began working in agriculture at a young age and later became a bus driver, joining the labor movement through the Cuban Workers' Center. His political activism began during the revolutionary period, and he joined the Communist Party of Cuba following its formation. Lazo's formal education was largely through party schools and political training, rather than traditional university pathways, which was common for leaders of his generation emerging from grassroots organizing.

Political career

His political ascent began in local party structures in Matanzas Province before moving to national roles. He was elected to the National Assembly of People's Power in its first legislature in 1976. Lazo rose through the ranks of the Communist Party of Cuba, becoming a member of its Central Committee and, in 1991, was elevated to the powerful Politburo, a position he has held for decades. He served as the First Secretary of the party in Havana Province and held significant responsibilities in ideological work and mass organizations. In 2008, he was appointed Vice President of the Council of State, serving directly under President Raúl Castro.

President of the National Assembly

Elected President of the National Assembly of People's Power in February 2013, succeeding Ricardo Alarcón, he assumed the role of head of state according to the Constitution of Cuba. In this capacity, he presides over the legislative sessions, represents the state at official functions, and signs laws into effect. His tenure has overseen the legislative process for significant economic reforms and the drafting of a new constitution, which was approved via a national referendum in 2019. He also served as the President of the Council of State until the position was restructured under the new constitution.

International relations and diplomacy

Lazo has been a key representative for Cuba in international affairs, often leading parliamentary delegations. He has addressed the United Nations General Assembly and has been involved in high-level diplomacy within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America. He has undertaken state visits to countries including Vietnam, China, Russia, and Venezuela, reinforcing bilateral ties. His diplomatic work often focuses on advocating against the United States embargo against Cuba and promoting south-south cooperation.

Personal life and legacy

He is married to Julia Rodríguez and has three children. Known for his low-profile demeanor compared to some contemporaries, he is regarded as a loyal party stalwart and a skilled consensus-builder within the Communist Party of Cuba's leadership. His legacy is intrinsically tied to the continuity of the Cuban political system, having served as a bridge between the historical generation of the Cuban Revolution and newer leaders. He is one of the most senior Afro-Cuban figures in the country's political history. Category:1944 births Category:Living people Category:Cuban politicians Category:Presidents of the National Assembly of People's Power Category:Members of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba Category:People from Matanzas Province