Cuban Labor Minister Resigns After Denying Beggars Amid Economic Crisis

Cuban Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera, resigned after making controversial remarks denying the existence of beggars in Cuba, claiming they are merely people pretending to beg to earn easy money. Her comments sparked widespread outrage both domestically and internationally, as they were seen as insensitive and disconnected from the severe economic hardships many Cubans face amid soaring inflation, food shortages, and growing poverty. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly criticized the minister for her lack of sensitivity and detachment from the realities of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that the revolution cannot leave anyone behind. Feitó-Cabrera’s resignation was accepted by the Communist Party and the government, following calls for her removal from activists and intellectuals who condemned her statements as an insult to the Cuban people. The incident highlights the ongoing economic crisis in Cuba, worsened by the U.S. embargo and internal challenges, which has led to increased social vulnerability and visible poverty such as begging and scavenging. The government officially maintains that there are no beggars, but the growing public distress suggests otherwise, making the minister's comments particularly contentious.