(1927–2016), Cuban statesman, prime minister 1959–76 and president 1976–2008; full name Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. After overthrowing President Batista he set up a communist regime which survived the abortive Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the collapse of the Soviet bloc. In 2008 he stood down in favour of his brother Raúl Castro.