In brief
In an unusual turn of events, a Cuban minister's comments about the absence of beggars led to her resignation, highlighting the severe economic struggles faced by many on the island.
Amidst growing food shortages and a severe economic crisis, Cuban Labour Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera has resigned after controversially stating in a parliamentary session that there are no beggars in Cuba. She suggested individuals seen scavenging for food were merely choosing to do so for "easy money," igniting immediate backlash from the Cuban populace and prompting criticism from President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Feitó Cabrera's remarks were met with widespread scorn, both domestically and internationally. Observers noted her underestimation of the public's reaction, especially given the increasingly visible poverty which has led many Cubans to rummage through rubbish bins for food or sleep in doorways due to housing shortages.Her comments were deemed offensive and disconnected from the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens, leading to a public letter from Cuban activists demanding her removal. The backlash was compounded by specific economic hardships, including prolonged power outages and struggles to access basic medications. In the wake of Feitó Cabrera's resignation, the Cuban Communist Party and government acknowledged the gravity of public sentiment regarding their disconnect from everyday Cuban life, reinforcing the growing strain between the government and its citizens.
