The Cuban Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) remains silent amid widespread outrage following controversial remarks by its head, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera. In a recent parliamentary session, she denied the presence of homeless individuals on the island, describing those who beg or sleep in doorways as "pretending to be beggars." "When you look at their hands, when you look at their clothes, they are in disguise. There are no beggars in Cuba. They've found an easy way to make money without working," Feitó claimed, a statement many criticized as insensitive, arrogant, and completely out of touch with the country's social reality.
Public Outcry and Institutional Silence
The minister's words quickly set social media ablaze. Intellectuals, activists, artists, journalists, and everyday citizens harshly criticized her perspective, viewing it as a disrespectful affront to the most vulnerable sectors of Cuban society. The deluge of comments overwhelmingly condemned the institutional blindness to a daily reality: the growing marginalization visible across the island's streets.
Meanwhile, the MTSS has continued its digital activities as usual, not acknowledging the controversy. On its official X account, the agency posted content about multiple jobholding, workplace safety and health, regulations for self-employed workers, and reminders about the new Labor Code consultation. Yet, no mention was made of the minister's statement or the uproar it caused.
Feitó herself shared a message on X, paradoxically discussing social programs for vulnerable people. "The State extends a hand to those who truly need it. Progress, dissatisfaction, and challenges, analyzed transparently. Popular participation and control: indispensable," she wrote, without directly addressing her previous remarks.
Díaz-Canel Responds Without Naming the Minister
The situation escalated to such an extent that even Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel felt compelled to address the matter. On Tuesday morning, he posted a message on his X and Facebook profiles, avoiding mentioning Feitó by name but directly criticizing the lack of sensitivity shown in the National Assembly. "The lack of sensitivity in addressing vulnerability during the Assembly Commissions is highly questionable," he stated. "The Revolution cannot leave anyone behind; that is our motto, our militant responsibility."
Díaz-Canel further emphasized that parliamentary commissions are tasked with debating "actions to overcome the difficult times the country is experiencing," highlighting that many solutions should stem from "collective effort, intelligence, and creativity."
An Obvious Rift
The omission of the minister's name and the lukewarm institutional publications reveal an attempt to deflect attention without taking direct responsibility. However, the public demands explanations, and for many, a public retraction or even the resignation of Minister Feitó would be the only dignified response to a social reality that no speech can hide. Meanwhile, the "pretending beggars," as the official called them, will remain visible to everyone, except the Ministry supposed to protect them.
Cuban Social and Political Issues
Why did Marta Elena Feitó's comments cause such outrage?
Her comments were perceived as insensitive and disconnected from the reality many Cubans face, particularly the increasing visibility of marginalization on the island.
What has been the reaction on social media to the minister's statements?
The reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with various groups criticizing the minister for her lack of understanding and respect towards Cuba's vulnerable populations.
How did President Díaz-Canel respond to the controversy?
Although he did not mention Feitó by name, Díaz-Canel criticized the lack of sensitivity shown in the National Assembly and emphasized the need for collective solutions to Cuba's challenges.