Castro led the revolution overthrowing Fulgencio Batista in 1959. After, Castro was sworn in the Prime Minister of Cuba.
Castro became first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in 1965, and led the transformation of Cuba into a one-party Socialist republic. In 1976, he became president of the Council of State as well as of the Council of Ministers. He also holds the supreme military rank of Commander in Chief of the Cuban Armed forces.
Castro first attracted attention in the Cuban political life through nationalist critiques of Batista and the United States political and corporate influence in Cuba.
Since his assumption of power in 1959, he has evoked both praise and condemnation Opponents characterise Castro as a dictator, claiming that he has not risen to power through open, public elections, and some contend that his rule is illegitimate because the socialist system itself was not established through what they considered to be legal means.
Image: In this file picture, Castro is seen with his brother Raul Castro.
Photographs: Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: Castro hands baton to brother
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