Cuba

Abstract

The president is both chief of state and head of government, although the Council of Ministers (cabinet) is vested with a shared executive power. The first vice president is the de factor prime minister. Under the constitution, the National Assembly is responsible for law-making but, under the communist regime, is effectively directed by the executive. Appointments to the Council of Ministers are recommended by the Politburo, although the majority of ministers are not on the Politburo, and approved by the Assembly; effectively deciding Council members before their legislative election.

The president is appointed by the Assembly. Elections for the national and provincial assemblies are held every five years and the last one took place on 11 March 2018.