In brief
As Cuba faces severe economic struggles and worsening food shortages, the Minister for Labour has stepped down after controversial remarks about beggars sparked widespread outrage and criticism.
Cuban Minister for Labour Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera has resigned following her controversial remarks that there are no beggars in Cuba. During a parliamentary session, she claimed that individuals digging through trash were merely seeking "easy money," a statement that ignited outrage both in Cuba and internationally. Her comments drew a swift rebuke from President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who emphasized that government leaders must remain connected to the realities faced by the populace. Cuba is currently undergoing a significant economic crisis marked by heightened poverty levels and food shortages. The sight of individuals searching for food in garbage bins and sleeping on streets has become increasingly common. Feitó Cabrera's resignation underscores the discontent among Cuban citizens, who find her remarks a stark contrast to their daily struggles, leading to her dismissal by the Communist Party and government officials. Activists and economists have also criticized her statements, further illustrating the disconnect between the Cuban leadership and its people amid growing hardships.
