Cuban Minister Resigns After Insensitive Comments on Poverty

Cuban Labour Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera has resigned following controversial comments denying the existence of beggars on the island amidst a deepening economic crisis, triggering public backlash and criticism from the government.

Cuba’s Labour Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera has stepped down after igniting controversy with her remarks that asserted there are no beggars on the island, claiming people rifling through garbage are simply doing so for "easy money." This statement, made during a parliamentary session, stirred considerable backlash from both citizens and officials, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who emphasized the need for leadership to stay in touch with the populace's realities.

Feitó Cabrera's comments highlighted the widening gap between the government’s perception and the harsh realities faced by many Cubans amid intensified poverty and escalating food shortages. Her assertion prompted a wave of criticism, including from economist Pedro Monreal, who quipped about the irony of her statement, suggesting there might also be "people disguised as ministers."

The economic struggles have intensified in recent years, resulting in familiar scenes of hunger and desperation across the nation, where some Cubans dig through refuse for edible scraps. The island is grappling with not only crippling food scarcity but also ongoing fuel shortages and frequent disruptions to power supply—compounding hardships for the everyday citizen.

In the wake of her remarks, a public letter from activists condemned Feitó Cabrera's insensitivity, labeling her statements as a direct affront to the Cuban people’s struggles. The government’s acceptance of her resignation signals a shift, as public dissent—often suppressed—makes its way into the limelight. This incident marks a rare moment of accountability in a nation where awareness of socio-economic dissatisfaction is increasingly rising to the surface.