Díaz-Canel, Miguel (1960-…), became the president of Cuba in April 2018. In April 2021, he also was elected as first secretary, or head, of the Communist Party of Cuba. He replaced Raúl Castro in both powerful positions. Díaz-Canel’s political rise represented a transition of leadership from the founders of the Cuban revolution to a new generation of leaders (see Cuba (The Castro revolution) . Like his predecessor, Díaz-Canel has supported gradual economic and political reform, allowing Cuba’s Communist government to maintain control of the nation.
Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez was born on April 20, 1960, in Santa Clara, Cuba. He graduated from the Central University of Las Villas, where he studied electrical engineering, in 1982. He then joined the Cuban armed forces, where he served until 1985. After finishing his military service, Díaz-Canel joined the faculty of Central University. At the university, he became affiliated with the Communist Youth Union (Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas).
In 1994, Díaz-Canel was named first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba for the province of Villa Clara. He became known for his hands-on leadership style and likable nature. He often was seen riding his bicycle, even though he had the use of a government car. Díaz-Canel also became known for his acceptance and tolerance of the gay community.
Díaz-Canel rose steadily through the provincial and national governments. In 2003, he was named to the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba, a body tasked with handling day-to-day policy and decision-making at the national level. At the same time, Díaz-Canel was named first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Holguín province. From 2009 to 2012, he served as minister of higher education, a member of Cuba’s Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers in effect serves as a cabinet .
In 2012, Díaz-Canel was named a vice president of the Council of Ministers. In 2013, he was named first vice president of the Council of Ministers and the Council of State. The Council of State represents the National Assembly—Cuba’s chief legislative body—between legislative sessions. As first vice president, Díaz-Canel was second-in-command to Cuba’s president, as well as the president’s designated successor.
Raúl Castro stepped down as president of Cuba in 2018, and the National Assembly elected Díaz-Canel to succeed him. At a 2021 congress of Cuba’s Communist Party, Castro retired as the party’s first secretary and Díaz-Canel was elected to that post.
