In a move which sees the removal of 10 key governmental figures from the Cuban administration, Raul Castro announced a significant change in his cabinet in a press conference today. The decision is the first since Raul succeeded his older brother, the controversial 50-year leader, in February 2008.

Of the 10 members dismissed, Cabinet Secretary Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque are perhaps the two most notable: both were avid supporters of Raul’s brother Fidel Castro and had themselves been considered for the presidency last year. The restructuring of the executive is being seen by many as the younger Raul attempting to make his mark on a country still reminiscent of the legendary Fidel’s rule; the majority of the removed figures were well known advocates of the former presidency.

Other important figures dismissed included Economy Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez, Finance Minister Georgina Barreiro Fajardo and Labour Minister Alfredo Morales Cartaya. Mr. Lage retained his position as Vice President, but was succeeded as cabinet secretary by Gen Jose Amado Ricardo Guerra; Mr Roque was replaced as foreign minister, a position he has held for 10 years, by his deputy Bruno Rodriguez.

According to state broadcasters, the report came following the weather and sports segments of a noon news bulletin. The merging of the ministries of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation was one major restructuring; the ministries of the Food Industry and the Fishing Industry also merged.

The move is being deemed an attempt to streamline the Cuban government making it more efficient through these troubled international times.

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