Cuban Labor Minister Resigns Following Controversial Comments on Beggars

Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera's denial of beggars in Cuba amidst rising poverty during an economic crisis stirs widespread condemnation, leading to her swift exit from office.

Cuba's Minister for Labour and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera, has abruptly resigned after making remarks that denied the existence of beggars on the beleaguered island nation. Her assertion came during a parliamentary session where she characterized people rummaging through garbage as individuals merely trying to make "easy money."

This claim ignited a storm of backlash from both Cuban citizens and international observers, culminating in an immediate call for her resignation from activists and civil society figures. In the face of mounting pressure, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned her statements during the parliamentary discussion, emphasizing the need for leadership that is attuned to the challenges faced by ordinary Cubans.

Feitó-Cabrera's remarks were made earlier this week amid a nation suffering from acute poverty and escalating food shortages, circumstances that have worsened significantly as the economy continues to struggle. She suggested that there are "no beggars" in Cuba, audaciously asserting that those searching through waste were merely "illegal participants in the recycling service," thus dismissing the realities of poverty that many face.

Her comments shocked many and portrayed the government as out of touch with the dire economic conditions afflicting its people. The public outcry included a letter from Cuban intellectuals and activists describing her statements as deeply offensive to the populace.

In a demonstration of the government’s responsiveness to public sentiment, the resignation of Feitó-Cabrera was quickly accepted by the Communist Party. While official figures on begging are not disclosed by the government, the significant increase in visible poverty has been evident to the general public. This incident brings to light the complex interplay between government messaging and the lived realities of citizens in a struggling economy.