The Cuban comedian Rigoberto Ferrera launched a tirade against the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, following her recent statements in which she denied the existence of beggars in Cuba.
"People say that in Cuba there are no beggars, that they are just people disguised as beggars... Could it be that there are also people disguised as ministers?", Ferrera questioned in a video posted on his Instagram account.
The post was accompanied by a powerful phrase that has resonated with its followers: "They have no shame."
The words of the comedian came in response to a statement by Feitó Cabrera during the regime's parliamentary sessions this Monday, where he claimed that those seen on the streets in vulnerable conditions are not actually homeless, but rather individuals who “have found an easy way to make money without working.”
“We have seen individuals who appear to be homeless, but when you look at their hands, their clothing... they are dressed up as homeless people,” said the official.
He also mocked those who search for food in the trash, stating that they do not do it out of hunger: “Divers are in the water. Those who are in the garbage bins, searching for cans, are not looking for food. They are patterns that are being imposed on us.”
The controversial statements sparked a flood of criticism on social media, especially among Cuban artists and comedians.
Luis Silva, creator of the popular character Pánfilo, reacted with a musical satire titled “They Were Not Beggars, They Were in Disguise”, a parody of the song El muerto vivo.
The comedian Ulises Toirac also expressed his outrage on Facebook with the hashtag #YoSoyMendigo.
"I must be a disguised one evading taxes, but I wouldn't make it to the end of the month without assistance. We will have clothing that is not from beggars and hands that are not those of beggars, but most of us do not live off our sweat," wrote Toirac.
Feitó's words contrast sharply with the harsh economic reality of the country. According to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty.
Frequently asked questions about the statements made by the Minister of Labor in Cuba
What did the Minister of Labor of Cuba say about beggars?
The Minister of Labor and Social Security of Cuba, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, stated that there are no beggars in Cuba. According to her statements, the people who appear to be beggars are disguised and have found an easy way to make money without working formally. These statements have sparked a strong critical reaction on social media and among Cuban artists.
How did Rigoberto Ferrera react to the minister's statements?
The Cuban comedian Rigoberto Ferrera harshly criticized the minister in a video posted on his Instagram account. Ferrera questioned the lack of shame among government officials and ironically wondered if there are also people disguised as ministers. His comment echoed the sentiments of many Cubans who view the minister's statements as insensitive and out of touch with reality.
What impact have the minister's statements had on public opinion in Cuba?
The minister's statements have generated significant discomfort among the Cuban population, provoking criticism and satire from artists and citizens on social media. The public reaction has included everything from satirical songs to critical comments from public figures and economists, demonstrating a widespread rejection of the denial of a reality visible in the streets of Cuba.
What has President Díaz-Canel's response been to the minister's statements?
President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the lack of sensitivity in the approach to vulnerability expressed during the Assembly sessions as questionable. Although he did not directly mention the minister, his comments hint at an indirect criticism. However, the absence of concrete measures in his response has been perceived by many as a form of political cosmetics, failing to address the structural issues that led to the minister's statements.
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