DW: Cuba names Manuel Marrero Cruz as first prime minister since 1976
Long-time tourism minister Manuel Marrero Cruz is set to be the first person in decades to take up the post. His power of authority, however, won't match that of his prime ministerial peers abroad.
Manuel Marrero Cruz was named Cuba's new prime minister on Saturday, the first person to take up the post since it was abolished in 1976 when Fidel Castro became president.
Marrero, who has served as tourism minister for 16 years and is an architect by trade, helped boost Cuba's economy by making tourism one of the engines of growth.
The military-run Gaviota tourism corporation, which he ran as minister, has survived despite sanctions imposed by the United States.
Miguel Diaz-Canel, the current president of Cuba, reportedly cited Marrero's experience working with foreign investors and building Cuba's tourism industry as one of his most prominent qualifications to receive the prime ministerial nomination.
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WNU editor: His term of office is five years, and he is suppose to coordinate the different ministries. I do not expect much from this new Prime Minister. He does not have the power to change the country's economic policies, and he will certainly not change the rigid control that the country has over the economy.
More News On Cuba's New Prime Minister
Cuba names Manuel Marrero Cruz prime minister. He's the first person to hold that position in 43 years -- CNN
Cuba chooses first prime minister since 1970s -- Global News/AP
Cuba names a prime minister, for first time in over four decades -- NBC
Cuba names first prime minister since 1976. The pick is a nod to the island’s growing tourism. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
