In response to Minister Marta Elena Feitó's controversial remarks about alleged "disguised beggars" in Cuba, social media has erupted with a wave of indignation, showcasing the stark reality of poverty that the regime tries to gloss over. Intellectuals, artists, journalists, and everyday citizens have countered with images, testimonies, and messages that reveal an increasingly undeniable social truth, despite the assertions of the Minister of Labor and Social Security.
Architect Julio Herrera was among those who responded emphatically, sharing a video on his X profile depicting homeless individuals in the heart of Havana. "If Havana is not full of beggars, then I must be blind or the Minister of Labor and Social Security. Let me introduce you to the beggars that the minister claims are 'disguised,'" he commented sarcastically.
Feitó's statement, delivered during a session of the Cuban Parliament, has sparked widespread backlash, prompting even the head of the government, Miguel Díaz-Canel, to distance himself from his minister. "Poverty cannot be criminalized," Díaz-Canel stated in a brief declaration reported by official media, addressing the growing public discontent.
Public Figures Speak Out
Journalist Boris Luis Cabrera Acosta also voiced strong criticism on Facebook. "She spoke of those who clean windshields, rummage through containers, or beg for alms as if they were disguised bandits (...) Denying the existence of visible poverty, labeling misery with criminalizing tags, is an act of arrogance that disarms us morally as a nation," he wrote in a piece titled Sad Reflections. Cabrera further emphasized that "real Cuba doesn't fit into polished charts or speeches," reminding that as long as there is even one person scavenging for food, no public official should sleep soundly.
Musician Dagoberto Pedraja joined the outcry, posting a reflection on Facebook titled Conceptual Update: "The beggars roam, the beggars are vulnerable, they have addictions, soul, and heart. And they didn't exist in my country," he penned. "Beware: there are also 'white-collar' beggars," he added, clearly referring to the ruling elite.
Artistic Responses and Irony
Renowned actor Luis Alberto García used irony to criticize the official lack of empathy. In a satirical post titled From the Series "COSTUMES and EVADEERS," he wrote: "Observe, just as an example, the wonderful makeup work that Magaly Pompa and Magdalena Álvarez managed with the elderly gentleman in the hat. Those emaciated arms!" He concluded with a biting "I get goosebumps."
The posts have generated thousands of reactions on social media, amplifying the widespread rejection of statements that, instead of offering solutions, blame the poorest for their own plight. From various sectors of Cuban civil society, the demand is clear: stop denying poverty and start addressing it with social justice, dignity, and political responsibility.
Understanding Poverty and Social Issues in Cuba
What was Minister Marta Elena Feitó's controversial statement?
Minister Marta Elena Feitó claimed that there are "disguised beggars" in Cuba, implying that some individuals who appear homeless are not genuinely in need.
How did Cuban citizens respond to the minister's claims?
Cuban citizens, including intellectuals and public figures, responded with images, videos, and messages on social media to highlight the real poverty and homelessness in the country, countering the minister's claims.
What was Miguel Díaz-Canel's reaction to the controversy?
Miguel Díaz-Canel distanced himself from the minister's remarks by stating that "poverty cannot be criminalized," acknowledging the public's discontent.