Raúl Castro
Former First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba
Raúl Castro led Cuba as President (2008-2018) and PCC First Secretary (2011-2021), succeeding his brother Fidel and overseeing the Obama-era thaw and economic reforms.
Quick facts
- Role: Former First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba
- Spanish title: Primer Secretario del PCC (2011–2021); Presidente (2008–2018)
- Born: 1931-06-03 — Birán, Holguín, Cuba
- Nationality: Cuban
- Affiliations: Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) — former First Secretary; Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) — former Minister
- Sanctioned by OFAC: Yes — EO 13818 (Global Magnitsky)
Biography
Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz served as President of Cuba from 2008 to 2018 and as First Secretary of the Communist Party from 2011 to 2021. He succeeded his brother Fidel Castro in both roles. Under his leadership Cuba opened diplomatic relations with the United States (2014-2015), expanded private-sector activity, and drafted the 2019 Constitution.
Although formally retired from all state and party offices, Castro remains the single most powerful figure in Cuban politics through informal influence over the FAR and PCC old guard. He is sanctioned by the United States.