Raul Castro will step down as the head of Cuba’s Communist Party

This means that for the first time since the 1959 revolution that a Castro won’t be running the country:

Raul Castro says he will resign as head of Cuba's Communist Party, ending the era of formal leadership by the Castro brothers that began with the 1959 revolution. https://t.co/F4XIljGWXr

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 16, 2021

It is expected that Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel will take over for Castro:

Raul Castro confirms he will step down as head of Cuba's Communist Party. Castro, 89, succeeded his late brother Fidel in 2011; between them, they have ruled Cuba since 1959. He's expected to be replaced by Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuba's current president. https://t.co/iuM2oK2TGb

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) April 16, 2021

So, is this really a “new era”?

Raul Castro announced today he is resigning as the secretary-general of the Communist Party of Cuba. The move, though widely expected, marks the beginning of a new era for the party. https://t.co/VzENPW64Eu

— Axios (@axios) April 16, 2021

Um, not likely:

Raul Castro, almost 90 years old, is expected to surrender leadership of the party. But analysts do not expect important changes because Miguel Diaz-Canel, who succeeded Castro in the presidency in 2018, has promised “continuity.” https://t.co/f2H6COBwir

— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) April 15, 2021

***