In brief
Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera's comments sparked nationwide outrage and highlighted the disconnect between government officials and the struggles of ordinary Cubans.
Cuba's Minister for Labour and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera, has resigned after making controversial statements in a parliamentary session, claiming that there are no beggars on the island. The remarks, which insinuated that individuals rummaging through trash were merely seeking "easy money," were met with swift condemnation from both citizens and officials. Within days of her statements, the president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, commented on the issue, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the hardships faced by the population. Feitó-Cabrera's remarks were labeled as an offense to the Cuban people by numerous activists and intellectuals, who called for her dismissal. The mounting economic crisis in Cuba has been underscored by rising levels of poverty and widespread food shortages. While the government does not release official statistics on begging, citizens have observed an increase in the number of people seeking help amid these dire conditions. The Cuban Communist Party accepted Feitó-Cabrera's resignation, acknowledging the deep disconnect between government narratives and the realities faced by ordinary Cubans.
