Labor Minister Sparks Controversy with Claim of No Beggars in Cuba

A Cuban minister has faced backlash, including criticism from the president, following remarks that claimed there are no beggars in the country, asserting that those seen begging are simply “disguised” as such. The comments, made by Cuba’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, during a session of the National Assembly committee, sparked outrage and calls for her impeachment, especially amid the ongoing economic crisis affecting the island. Cuba has been grappling with a deepening economic crisis, marked by increased social vulnerability. This has led to troubling scenes in which many, particularly the elderly, are seen begging or rummaging through garbage for sustenance.

In her remarks, Feitó suggested that individuals cleaning windshields at intersections have an “easy” life and contended that they use the money earned to indulge in alcohol. She further criticized those scavenging in dumps, claiming they do so to recover materials for resale while avoiding taxes. President Miguel Díaz-Canel indirectly addressed Feitó’s comments on social media, calling into question the lack of sensitivity towards vulnerable citizens. He emphasized that the revolution must ensure no one is left behind, reinforcing it as a fundamental responsibility of the government.

Historically, Cuba had seen little visible poverty despite its systemic challenges, largely thanks to social benefits that have since diminished. Currently, the pension for retirees is approximately 2,000 Cuban pesos (about $5) per month, insufficient for even basic necessities like a carton of eggs, leaving many to face hunger without remittances from abroad. Local self-employed individuals like Enrique Guillén highlighted the disconnect between the government’s perceptions and the harsh realities faced by elderly citizens, emphasizing the urgent need for governmental intervention as Cuba’s GDP has seen a recent drop of 1.1% in 2024, representing a cumulative decline of 11% over the last five years.