The uproar surrounding Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, Cuba's Minister of Labor and Social Security, following her contentious remarks denying the presence of beggars in Cuba, has transcended the island's borders. The statement has been widely covered by international media, triggering a fresh wave of criticism against the Cuban regime. During a parliamentary session on Monday, the minister commented, "They are people disguised as beggars." Her words ignited outrage among Cubans on social media and independent outlets. By Tuesday, the regime announced her resignation on the National Television News.
The controversy has taken on an international dimension. Prominent media outlets like BBC, CNN, El País, El Mundo, Al Jazeera, France 24, CTV News, and Deutsche Welle, among others, have covered the incident, highlighting the perceived insensitivity and disconnection of the minister's comments. Headlines mostly underscore the Cuban government's lack of empathy towards its most vulnerable citizens and its denial of poverty, which is an evident social reality in the country.
El Mundo discussed the issue with irony, stating that beggars in Cuba are "street actors according to the minister." Meanwhile, El País noted how Miguel Díaz-Canel distanced himself from Feitó's words amidst the island's deep economic and political crisis. CNN en Español emphasized that the former minister's statements angered both dissidents and some within the official circles, while Al Jazeera English subtly reiterated the regime's narrative blaming the U.S. "blockade" for the country's crisis.
France 24 and CTV News highlighted the wave of public indignation amid "inflation, low wages, and food shortages." They pointed out how Feitó's remarks "struck a nerve in Cuba, where large portions of the population live day-to-day" and poverty is visibly apparent on the streets. Reuters and AFP also reported on the story, providing context on the severe crisis on the island and the inflation impacting the Cuban economy.
Even Caribbean media like The Gleaner from Jamaica and Latin American outlets such as La Tercera from Chile echoed the controversy, criticizing an attempt to "downplay poverty in Cuba." Far from going unnoticed, Feitó's statements have boomeranged, striking directly at the regime's official narrative, which continues to insist on projecting an image of social justice that increasingly convinces fewer people.
The resignation of Cuba's Minister of Labor became a significant media scandal, not just because of her speech but also due to the repercussions it caused on social media. It compelled the Cuban State to act swiftly to distance itself from the comments made in front of a silent Parliament that applauded Feitó's intervention without objection. The international impact of the event not only highlights the growing discredit of the Cuban government but also underscores the global attention to the profound crisis of values within Cuba's leadership.
The Impact of the Cuban Minister's Comments on International Perception
What was the controversial statement made by the Cuban Minister?
The Cuban Minister stated that beggars in Cuba are actually "people disguised as beggars," which sparked outrage and criticism.
How did international media react to the minister's comments?
International media outlets widely covered the incident, highlighting the perceived insensitivity and disconnection in the minister's remarks, and criticizing the Cuban government's denial of poverty.
What actions did the Cuban government take following the controversy?
The Cuban government announced the resignation of the minister shortly after the controversy erupted, in an effort to distance itself from her remarks.