Cuban Labor Minister Resigns Amid Controversy Over Begging Remarks

In a controversial statement that has drawn widespread outrage, Marta Elena Feitó, the Cuban Minister of Labor, announced her resignation after asserting that there are no beggars in Cuba, only individuals disguising themselves as beggars. During a parliamentary committee session broadcasted by national television, Feitó denied that those seen rummaging through trash cans on the streets are doing so out of need for food, instead directing criticism towards street cleaners who she claimed prefer an 'easy life.' "We see people who look like beggars, but when you look at their hands, when you look at their clothes, you realize they are disguised as beggars; they are not beggars. There are no beggars in Cuba," Feitó stated. Her remarks have not only sparked outrage among the Cuban populace but also triggered criticism amid the nation’s dire economic realities. Cuba is currently undergoing its most significant economic crisis since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro. Citizens have been grappling with chronic shortages of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, exacerbated by soaring inflation which makes accessing available goods even more difficult. The sight of people begging or searching through refuse has become a more frequent and distressing reality, particularly in urban areas like the capital, Havana. As the government struggles to address these pressing issues, Feitó's remarks and subsequent resignation highlight the disconnect between the state’s rhetoric and the daily struggles faced by ordinary Cubans. The Communist Party leadership and government officials reacted swiftly to her comments, accepting her resignation and accusing her of lacking the necessary objectivity and sensitivity expected of a minister during such challenging times. This incident underscores the growing tensions within the government and its inability to address the grave economic challenges confronting the nation and its citizens. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2