Today an important step has been taken towards a democratic transition in Cuba. The decision of the dictator Fidel Castro to retreat from aspiring to a new presidential period in the island indicates that his poor health has worsen to a point where probably Castro won’t make it to end of this year.

Soon he will become another page in history; a very sad one, characterized by repression, tortures, political prisoners, massive impoverishment, hunger, scarcity, and murders.

His statement of giving an opportunity to the new generations is nothing less than a bad joke, after almost 50 years in power. Even worse, he delegates power to his brother Raul, who at 76 years old can hardly be considered fresh blood.

Nevertheless, as long as Castro remains alive, we can’t expect dramatic changes in Cuba. His presence behind the scenes will be intimidating for any successor, who will think twice before proposing reforms that could anger the declining tyrant. Even so, in the last months, some timid but positive signs of political openness, or at least certain degree of tolerance towards the opposition, have been perceived.

We libertarians in Latin America must be prepared for what is about to come. Probably the transition will last for years, but it is important that the people who will lead a democratic Cuba are firm believers of classical liberal ideals. Because that is exactly what Cuba needs, not only democracy, but also liberty.