Havana ? Fidel Castro’s chair was empty Friday, but Cuban lawmakers quickly approved a spending plan for 2007 in their first session since he fell ill, a sign the communist government will sail ahead without the bearded leader at its helm.

The empty chair on the stage facing rows of more than 500 National Assembly deputies was a gaping reminder of the 80-year-old Castro’s illness and the doubts about whether the once larger-than-life leader will one day sit there again.

Left unoccupied out of respect for Castro, who stepped aside five months ago, the empty seat also underscored the widespread belief that no major changes in Cuba’s economic system will occur while he is alive. His brother, Raul, is believed to favor modest economic opening.

But the session – at least during the first two hours international journalists were allowed to witness – did reflect the businesslike style of Raul Castro, who is serving as the island’s provisional leader.

Unlike his more loquacious older sibling, the 75-year-old defense minister did not make any extemporaneous speeches or query ministers giving economic reports, and instead listened quietly.

The meeting, which reported economic results for 2006 and plans for 2007, began on time and went into a recess exactly two hours later.

“Raul’s style is indeed different,” said Cuba expert Wayne Smith, the top U.S. diplomat in Havana from 1979-82. “I think we can expect from him … a more collegial style of government.”