President of Cuba

President of Cuba. The President of the Republic of Cuba is the head of state and holds the highest office within the Government of Cuba. The position, defined by the Constitution of Cuba, combines significant executive authority with a role as the leader of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers. The president is elected by the National Assembly of People's Power and serves as the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.

History

The office originated with the first president, Tomás Estrada Palma, following the end of the United States Military Government in Cuba and the establishment of the Republic in 1902. Early presidents, including José Miguel Gómez and Mario García Menocal, governed under the influence of the Platt Amendment and periods of U.S. intervention. The period was marked by political turmoil, culminating in the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, which was overthrown by the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Following the revolution, the office was redefined; Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado served as president while Fidel Castro led as Prime Minister and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba. In 1976, a new socialist constitution was adopted, and Fidel Castro assumed the presidency, merging the roles of head of state, government, and party leader until his retirement in 2008, when he was succeeded by his brother, Raúl Castro.

Election and term of office

The president is elected by the deputies of the National Assembly of People's Power from among its members, following a nomination process. According to the 2019 constitutional reform, the term of office is five years, with a limit of two consecutive terms. The election is conducted by secret ballot, and the candidate must receive an absolute majority of votes from the assembly members. The president must be a Cuban citizen by birth, be at least thirty-five years of age, and have full civil and political rights. The same assembly has the power to relieve the president of their duties, as outlined in the Constitution of Cuba.

Powers and duties

The president's powers are extensive, including representing the state in international relations, presiding over meetings of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers, and serving as the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Key duties include proposing members of the Council of Ministers to the National Assembly of People's Power, signing decree-laws, and overseeing the administration of the Government of Cuba. The president also plays a leading role in national defense and security policy, guided by the principles of the Communist Party of Cuba, and receives credentials from foreign ambassadors accredited to Havana.

List of presidents

* Tomás Estrada Palma (1902–1906) * José Miguel Gómez (1909–1913) * Mario García Menocal (1913–1921) * Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso (1921–1925) * Gerardo Machado (1925–1933) * Fulgencio Batista (1940–1944; de facto ruler earlier) * Ramón Grau (1944–1948) * Carlos Prío Socarrás (1948–1952) * Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado (1959–1976) * Fidel Castro (1976–2008) * Raúl Castro (2008–2018) * Miguel Díaz-Canel (2018–present)

See also

* Vice President of Cuba * Prime Minister of Cuba * Politics of Cuba * History of Cuba * Council of State (Cuba) * National Assembly of People's Power

Category:Presidents of Cuba Category:Heads of state of Cuba Category:Government of Cuba