Raul Castro retires as Cuba’s Communist leader, but will still have say in strategy

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. era / ˈɪər ə / (n.) – a time period associated with certain events, developments, qualities, etc.
    Example:

    The rise of smartphones resulted in a new technological era.


  2. succession / səkˈsɛʃ ən / (n.) – the process in which someone takes over or is given the rank, title, or position of another person
    Example:

    The British line of succession changed when the Queen’s grandson was born.


  3. guerrilla warfare / gəˈrɪl ə ˈwɔrˌfɛər / (n.) – a fighting method where small groups who are not part of the military launch quick attacks against police or the army
    Example:

    Rebels are using guerilla warfare to take control of the city.


  4. province / ˈprɒv ɪns / (n.) – one of the large areas or regions that some countries are divided into
    Example:

    The country’s eastern province is known for its rich agricultural resources.


  5. be tipped to (do something) / bi tɪpt tʊ / (idiom) – to be identified as someone who’s likely to succeed in or achieve something
    Example:

    The actress is tipped to win an Oscar for her amazing performance in the film.


Article

Read the text below.

Cuba turned the page on the Castro era on April 19 with the ruling Communist Party electing President Miguel Diaz-Canel to replace Raul Castro as party chief, although Diaz-Canel said he would continue to consult his predecessor on strategic decisions.


The succession marks the end of six decades of rule by brothers Fidel and Raul Castro, who led a 1959 revolution in the Caribbean island nation of 11 million, installing a Communist-run country on the doorstep of the United States.


The mantle now passes to a younger generation that worked its way up the party ranks rather than forging itself through guerrilla warfare.


Diaz-Canel, 60, who was party chief in two provinces before joining the national government in 2009, had already succeeded Castro, 89, as president in 2018, and been widely tipped to also take the role of first party secretary — the most powerful position in the country.


His election came as part of a broader reshuffle of the party’s political bureau at a four-day congress held largely behind closed doors. (Reuters)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Diaz-Canel said he would continue to consult his predecessor on strategic decisions. Keeping this in mind, do you think that Cuba has really turned the page on the Castro era? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In Cuba, the mantle now passes to a younger generation that worked its way up the party ranks rather than forging itself through guerilla warfare. Is your country having any generational shifts in politics (ex. younger candidates, more celebrity politicians)? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Diaz-Canel has been widely tipped to also take the role of first party secretary, the most powerful position in the country. In your country, what’s the most powerful position (ex. prime minister, ruling party leader)? What kind of power do they have? Discuss.
  • The four-day congress was held largely behind closed doors. Do you think important meetings like this should be held behind closed doors, or should the public be able to see them? Why? Discuss.