The lawmakers ' selection , which had been widely expected , came five days after Fidel Castro , 81 , announced his resignation in a letter published in the state-run newspaper Granma . Raul was chosen as president by Cuba 's National Assembly . Fidel Castro 's brother was the leader of Cuba 's opposition for at least 20 years . Fidel Castro announced his resignation last week in a letter published online . The century - old has led the communist party since the 1970s .
Raul was chosen as president by Cuba 's National Assembly . Fidel Castro 's brother was the leader of Cuba 's opposition for at least 20 years . Fidel Castro announced his resignation last week in a letter published online . The century - old has led the communist party since the 1970s .