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(CNN Spanish) - On Saturday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel appointed tourism minister Manuel Marrero Cruz as the country's prime minister, a non-existent role in Cuban politics in more than four decades.
The announcement came after his candidacy was unanimously ratified by the 594 deputies of the National Assembly of Cuba during the annual end-of-year meeting of the Assembly.
The absolute majority of Parliament is necessary for the appointment, according to the Cuban news agency of Cuba, ACN.
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Marrero served as Minister of Tourism for the Island for almost 16 years, and will serve as prime minister for a period of five years, according to ACN.
Marrero was a colonel in the armed forces of Cuba before he was entrusted with the task of directing the state tourism industry that provided much needed foreign exchange for the communist management island.
Deputy Prime Ministers and other members of the Council of Ministers were also appointed during Saturday's session.
The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, remains head of state and Raúl Castro remains the first secretary of the Communist Party, where true power resides.
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The prime minister is expected to administer the daily operations of the Cuban government, but will continue to inform President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Miguel Diaz Canel