Miguel Diaz-Canel Becomes Cuba’s Next President Diaz-Canel was confirmed Thursday by the National Assembly, after Raul Castro stepped down. Prior to being appointed president, Diaz-Canel served as Cuba’s first vice president since 2013. He also was the minister of higher education and leader of the Communist Party in the province of Villa Clara. The change is significant as it marks the first time in 40 years a man not named Castro is occupying the role. Castro will still head the nation’s military and remain the leader of the Communist Party.