The answer could start to emerge Sunday when Cuba's Parliament meets to choose new leaders. While Raúl Castro is likely to be named president, the choices for 30 other lawmakers on the Council of State, including his second in command, could indicate how far the island's supreme governing body is willing to go toward opening the economy.
Fidel, 81 and ailing, took himself out of the running Tuesday for the top spot but may continue to wield enough power as Communist Party chief to stifle any major changes.
In the 19 months he has been acting president, Raúl, 76, has already tantalized many who seek political change.
He has urged unspecified "structural changes" in Cuba's communist system, acknowledged that state salaries don't meet basic needs, and called on Cubans to complain openly when government control of the economy flounders - although, so far, there have been few changes beyond better pay for farmers and increased food production.
And as defense minister, Raúl put Cuba's military at the forefront of the economy, as he and other top military officers assumed control of such key sectors as electronics imports, cigar exports, and tourism.
"There could be a new perspective with Raúl, new freedoms that are exciting to some," said Sergio, a 47-year-old government factory worker.
Like others interviewed, he was afraid that having his full name appear in the foreign press could lead to harassment or political repercussions. Raúl Castro has called for an increased tolerance of public criticism, but many are still afraid to speak their minds.
The Cuban government provides free housing, education, and healthcare, and ration cards help cover the costs of basic food. Few Cubans want to part with those benefits and fully embrace US-style capitalism, although many are hoping the new government could accept tweaks to the system and enough small economic opportunities to allow for small quality-of-life improvements.
