Shortly after solemnly declaring to Parliament that "there are no beggars in Cuba," Labor and Social Security Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera became the most viral meme of the week and subsequently resigned. On Monday, she denied the existence of poverty in Cuba, and the backlash on social media was so intense that by Tuesday, Feitó had submitted her resignation. The speed of this response is something many wish they could see in any government office under her ministry.
The former minister unabashedly claimed that individuals begging for money are merely "pretending to be beggars," seeking only "alcoholic drinks on the corner." She went further by denying that Cubans rummage through trash for food and even accused these "divers" of being "illegal self-employed workers."
Social media erupted with creativity, sharp humor, and critique. Within hours, Feitó was depicted in edited photos, elegantly dressed among Havana's garbage or cleaning windshields at stoplights with a Round Table mug in hand. Cuban comedians joined the fray with ironic messages targeting the official. Luis Silva dedicated a viral song to her, while Rigoberto Ferrera fueled the debate by stating, "If there are people disguised as beggars, there are also people disguised as ministers in Cuba."
Other memes invited people to a "costume party," where one could no longer distinguish between beggars, officials, and those merely trying to survive on the island. The hashtag #BájateDelCarroYDimite quickly became the phrase of the moment, with some suggesting, "legend has it she was removed."
In light of the unstoppable scandal, the Political Bureau and the Council of State accepted Feitó's resignation. It was an elegant way of saying someone tapped her on the shoulder, suggesting she remove her ministerial guise to "save the government's image." Meanwhile, the reality on the streets continues to challenge official narratives. Unlike memes, poverty in Cuba cannot be edited or disguised.
Public Reaction to the Minister's Resignation
What led to Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera's resignation?
Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera resigned after facing widespread backlash on social media for denying the existence of beggars in Cuba, which led to a flood of memes and public criticism.
How did social media react to the minister's statements?
Social media exploded with memes, satirical songs, and commentary, depicting Feitó in various humorous scenarios and criticizing her denial of poverty in Cuba.
What was the government's response to the scandal?
The Political Bureau and the Council of State accepted Feitó's resignation, a move seen as an attempt to preserve the government's image amid growing public discontent.