Cuba's Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera has resigned following explosive comments she made in a parliamentary session, where she claimed that there were "no beggars" in the country. She controversially suggested that individuals scavenging through rubbish were merely pretending to be beggars for "easy money." This assertion has sparked outrage not only among the Cuban populace but also from citizens abroad and prompted public scrutiny from President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Feitó Cabrera's remarks have been criticized as emblematic of a leadership disconnected from the harsh realities faced by ordinary Cubans, particularly as the country grapples with a profound economic crisis marked by rising poverty and severe food shortages. The fallout from her comments has emphasized the difficult living conditions in Cuba, where the sight of people rummaging through garbage for sustenance is not uncommon due to escalating shortages.
The minister's comments drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including responses from fellow Cubans like economist Pedro Monreal, who humorously pointed out the absurdity of her claim by suggesting that perhaps ministers themselves were just "disguised." A collective of activists and intellectuals also rallied for her dismissal, branding her statements as an affront to the dignity of the Cuban people.
President Díaz-Canel's admonishment during the session underscored the disconnect between the government and its citizens. He stated that the leadership must not "act with condescension" and must remain in tune with the struggles people face daily. This incident has underscored the rare instances of public dissent in Cuba, a nation known for its tight grip on free expression and a ban on anti-government protests.
The resignation of Feitó Cabrera highlights the growing frustrations within the country as various challenges, including fuel shortages, power outages, and the constant hunt for basic medicines, weigh heavily on the Cuban populace. The government's commitment to address these pressing social issues remains a topic of critical discussion as the situation continues to deteriorate.
