In spite of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula’s claims yesterday that Fidel Castro is as spry as a college student — and El Comandante’s diva-style pose for Lula’s camera — the story coming out of the horse’s mouth is quite different. Fidel himself says he’s not in the best of health:

“I don’t enjoy the physical ability necessary to speak directly to the residents of the town which is supporting me in next Sunday’s elections. I do what I can: I write.”

And the election’s that Castro speaks of are crucial to the continuation of his role as President of Cuba:

Voters have the job of ratifying the 641 members of the National Legislature, hand-picked by the Cuban Communist party, with Mr. Castro once again representing the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba. He has to do this in order to continue playing a senior role in government.

Whether or not he wants to is another story. Late last month, Fidel wrote a letter to be read on Cuban television which stated that he would “not cling to power”. To me, it sounds like Fidel is too tired to fight the waves of change any longer.

What do you think? Is Fidel ready to step aside?

Via / El País and National Post