Miguel Díaz-Canel has been sworn in as Cuba's new president, replacing Raúl Castro who took over from his ailing brother Fidel in 2006.

Photo: (Jonathan Buttle Smith via unsplash.com)

It is the first time since the revolution in 1959 that a Castro is not at the helm of the government.

Mr Díaz-Canel had been serving as first vice-president for the past five years.

Even though Mr Díaz-Canel was born after the revolution, he is a staunch ally of Raúl Castro and is not expected to make any radical changes.

There was "no room in Cuba for those who strive for the restoration of capitalism" he said in his inaugural address.

It was his mandate "to ensure the continuity of the Cuban revolution at a key historic moment" and Cuba's foreign policy would remain "unaltered".

A large part of his speech was dedicated to praising his predecessor in office.

Photo: AFP

'The Revolution continues its course'

Mr Díaz-Canel elected by the members of the National Assembly, all 605 of whom were voted in March after standing unopposed.

Mr Castro is expected to continue wielding considerable political influence in his role as the leader of Cuba's ruling Communist Party.

Mr Díaz-Canel entered the chamber alongside the outgoing president, Raúl Castro.

The moment captured the image of political continuity the Cuban government has been keen to stress: An ordered handover of power from one generation to the next.

- BBC