Cuba Moves Toward Political, Economic Reform

Raul Castro wants top political positions limited to two five-year terms amid an economic revitalization.

Acknowledging that "the confidence of the majority of Cubans had been tested, with regard to the party and the revolution," Cuban President Raul Castro has proposed a series of unprecedented political reforms, including limiting top political positions to two five-year terms. Speaking at the first congress of the Cuban Communist Party in 14 years, Castro said the term limits would apply to himself and his ministers. He also plans to reduce the role of the state in the economy and encourage private enterprise. Though free healthcare and education would remain, mass subsidies of basic goods would be removed and social spending would be "rationalized."