Without Castro, Cuba’s government unlikely to change

The New York Times

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 | 3:55 p.m.

After a long hiatus due to illness, Fidel Castro announced Tuesday that he would step down as Cuba's leader. Although Castro will no longer be in power in an official capacity, he has made it clear that he will still be an idealistic, political fixture in Cuba.

The announcement comes at a significant time in Cuba's political system. On Sunday, the Cuban Parliament will pick a new council which will eventually pick the next leader.

In response to the news, President Bush called for Cuba to move towards a Democratic process, but some do not believe Castro's official absence will necessarily change the country's government.