Cubans hope Raul will adopt reforms after Fidel

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Associated Press

Posted online: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 01:19:47
Updated: Thursday , February 21, 2008 at 01:38:59

Havana, February 20: After a 19-month tryout by acting president Raul Castro, Cubans seem ready to focus on what his government will bring once Fidel Castro formally steps down as Cuba's all-powerful leader on Sunday.

Their expectations, already raised by Raul Castro's talk of "structural changes" and "big decisions" to come, couldn't be higher. Will he let more people open businesses, own homes and even travel abroad? Given that Raul is already 76, many wonder whether it will fall to a new generation of leaders to fulfill or frustrate their dreams of prosperity.

As acting president, Raul Castro has only hinted at reforms, a reticence many see as a sign of respect for his more doctrinaire, 81-year-old brother. And while hoping that Raul and his likely No 2, Carlos Lage, will advocate for change, Cubans wonder how that will fly with Fidel, who made it clear Tuesday that he isn't going away, even though he's stepping down as president.

"There has to be some change, more freedom with Raul," said Andres, 63, who like many Cubans wouldn't give his last name for fear of reprisal when talking about the Castro brothers. "The other one always nipped that off at the bud."

The resignation, announced yesterday, should give Raul Castro more autonomy than he's had as the government's caretaker since Fidel was sidelined by intestinal surgery in July 2006.

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