In response to her dismissal, Cubans express their frustration, highlighting the disparity between government views and the harsh realities faced by citizens.
Cuban Minister Resigns After Controversial Remarks on Begging
Cuban Minister Resigns After Controversial Remarks on Begging
Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera's departure comes amidst growing discontent over severe economic hardship in Cuba.
Cuba’s Minister for Labour and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera, has resigned following backlash from her remarks during a parliamentary session where she controversially denied the existence of beggars on the island. Feitó-Cabrera claimed that individuals seen rummaging through rubbish were merely pretending to be beggars to earn "easy money." Her statements generated significant outrage, leading to calls for her removal from both citizens and activists alike.
The Cuban president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, responded to the uproar by emphasizing that the leadership must maintain an awareness of the citizens' realities, indirectly criticizing Feitó-Cabrera's insensitivity. In the context of rising poverty and escalating food shortages, many Cubans felt her comments were not only detached but insulted their plight. An open letter from activists demanded her resignation, reflecting the growing frustration over the government's perceived disconnection from everyday struggles.
Feitó-Cabrera's resignation was quickly accepted by the Cuban Communist Party and government, illustrating the pressure they face to address public sentiment. While official statistics on begging in Cuba are unavailable, the visible increase in poverty is evident to the populace, further complicating the government's narrative during this steep economic crisis.
