Miguel Díaz-Canel has commented on the controversial statements made by the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, who this Monday denied the existence of beggars in Cuba and criminalized those who search for food or ask for alms on the street.
The ruler spoke out early this Tuesday -both on X and on Facebook- in a post where, although he did not mention the minister by name, it is clear that he assessed the statements that in recent hours have generated outrage among millions of Cubans from all political backgrounds.
Díaz-Canel described the "lack of sensitivity in the approach to vulnerability" as "very questionable" during the Assembly Committees.
"The Revolution cannot leave anyone behind; that is our motto, our militant responsibility,” he added.
The ruler also pointed out that the Assembly Commissions are discussing "actions to overcome the difficult moment the country is experiencing"; and that "many depend on collective effort, intelligence, and creativity."
In case there were any doubts that Díaz-Canel's statement was directly aimed at the minister, shortly after the publication, the state journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso confirmed it:
“On sensitivity and its absence. On the lack of empathy to address an issue that requires a great deal of solidarity. There is a Cuba with tremendously difficult realities that must be viewed and addressed, primarily, from a humanistic perspective. President Díaz-Canel shares his thoughts on the debate this Monday”, the official communicator while sharing the leader's words on Facebook.
Reactions to Díaz-Canel's post
The "band-aid" applied by Díaz-Canel has been perceived by many as an attempt to distance himself without taking political responsibility.
For many, the ruler's message does not constitute a proper critique, but rather an exercise in political ambiguity.
The lack of names, the absence of immediate consequences, and the overall tone of the publication have been seen as a maneuver to contain discontent without committing to taking real action.
There was no direct condemnation of the minister, nor an acknowledgment of the structural problems that allowed her discourse; instead, there was a generic statement about the "lack of sensitivity" that -without concrete actions- is perceived as an act of political cosmeticism.
Miguel Díaz-Canel's words, far from calming the discontent caused by Marta Elena Feitó's statements, have sparked yet another wave of reactions that reveal the deep-seated dissatisfaction among broad sectors of Cuban society.
Most of the comments on social media express disappointment, outrage, and distrust towards both the minister and the political system that supports her.
Although some users appreciate the president's reference to the lack of sensitivity, many consider it insufficient, delayed, and evasive.
Among the most repeated expressions are the demands for the dismissal of the minister and questions regarding the complicity of the present deputies' silence.
There is also a growing number of reports of institutional abandonment, extreme poverty, and a disconnect between the leadership and the reality of the people.
Phrases like "They say the Revolution can't leave anyone behind. But it already has. And it continues to do so"; "No more rhetoric is needed. What is needed is truth, justice, and respect" or "The minister is already redundant in her position" encapsulate the overall tone of a frustrated citizenry.
Other comments ironically note that "the revolution is advancing so quickly that it left 11 million behind", or directly question the leader with expressions like "The people are exhausted and you only talk about sensitivity."
Even among voices that self-identify as aligned with the revolutionary process, harsh criticisms are raised: "I am a revolutionary, and it pains my heart to see beggars rummaging through the trash 67 years after the Revolution."
This is coupled with the call to stop using euphemisms like “vulnerability” to refer to what is simply and plainly “poverty” or “misery.”
Overall, the state of public opinion reflects a growing rift between the official narrative and the daily experience of a large part of the population.
On the other hand, while the networks are ablaze, silence reigns on the subject in the official profile of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, which this Tuesday began with several informative posts unrelated to the issue that dominates the feelings of millions of Cubans.
The person involved has also said nothing on the matter.
However, following Díaz-Canel's statement, many believe that his dismissal is on the way.
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