THE new president of Cuba has been confirmed as Miguel Diaz-Canel, ending nearly six decades at the helm for the Castro family.

Members of the National Assembly opened the crucial session a day after voting on the nomination of Diaz-Canel, the sole candidate for president.

Raul Castro’s departure launches a new political era for a country trying to survive as one of the world’s last communist states.

The 86-year-old, brother of late former leader Fidel, will remain head of the Communist Party.

His departure from the presidency is nonetheless a symbolically charged moment for a country that has been under the absolute rule of one family since the revolution.

“I like sticking with the ideas of President Fidel Castro because he did a lot for the people of Cuba, but we need rejuvenation, above all in the economy,” said Melissa Mederos, a young schoolteacher.

“Diaz-Canel needs to work hard on the economy, because people need to live a little better.”

Diaz-Canel gained prominence in central Villa Clara province as the top Communist Party official, a post equivalent to governor.

While a leaked video last year showed him expressing orthodox positions, some have said he may be a potential advocate for greater openness.