After nearly half a century at the helm of Cuba’s revolutionary government, Fidel Castro officially stepped down as President on 24 February 2008, citing deteriorating health that had kept him from public life for nearly two years.
The man who defied eleven U.S. presidents, survived countless assassination attempts, and transformed Cuba into a socialist stronghold relinquished power to his brother, Raúl Castro, ensuring continuity of leadership within the Communist Party.
His departure marked the end of an era—one defined by Cold War tensions, economic embargoes, and fervent ideological battles—leaving behind a legacy both lauded and reviled, as Cuba stood at the crossroads of change.
