The scandal involving the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, following her controversial statement denying the existence of beggars in Cuba, crossed the borders of the island and was widely reported by international media, provoking a new wave of criticism of the regime.
"They are people disguised as beggars," said the minister this Monday during a parliamentary session. Her words sparked outrage among Cubans on social media and independent media. On Tuesday, the regime announced on the National Television News the resignation of the official.
However, the controversy has escalated to a global dimension. Major international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, El País, El Mundo, Al Jazeera, France 24, CTV News, and Deutsche Welle, among others, have devoted coverage to the issue, highlighting the insensitive and disconnected nature of the minister's statements.
Most headlines highlight the lack of empathy from the Cuban government towards the most vulnerable sectors and the denial of poverty, a social reality evident in the country.
The World addressed the issue with irony by stating that the beggars in Cuba “are street actors according to the minister.” The Country highlighted how Miguel Díaz-Canel distanced himself from Feitó's remarks amid the deep economic and political crisis affecting the island.
CNN en Español highlighted that the former minister's statements angered both the opposition and circles within the government, and Al Jazeera English subtly reiterated the regime's narrative that blames the "U.S. blockade" for the crisis in the country.
France 24 and CTV News emphasized the wave of public outrage amid "inflation, low wages, and food scarcity." They highlight how Feitó's words "struck a chord in Cuba, where large segments of the population live day to day," and the poverty is visibly evident on the streets.
Reuters and AFP also reported on the news, providing context regarding the severe crisis on the island and the inflation impacting the Cuban economy.
Even Caribbean media such as The Gleaner from Jamaica, and Latin American outlets like La Tercera from Chile, echoed the controversy and denounced an attempt to "downplay poverty in Cuba."
The statements made by Feitó, far from going unnoticed, have become a boomerang that directly strikes at the official discourse of the regime, which insists on projecting an image of social justice that is increasingly losing credibility.
The resignation of the Minister of Labor in Cuba turned into a true media scandal, not only because of her speech but also due to the repercussions it had on social media. It forced the Cuban state to take immediate action to distance itself from the statements made before a silent Parliament, which applauded Feitó's intervention without protest.
The international repercussions of the incident highlight not only the growing discredit of the Cuban government but also the global attention on the deep crisis of values within the government of Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the Cuban minister's scandal and the situation of the homeless in Cuba
What statements did the Cuban minister make about the homeless?
The Minister of Labor and Social Security of Cuba, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, stated that there are no beggars in Cuba, but rather people "disguised as beggars" who are looking for an easy way to make money without working formally. These statements sparked a wave of outrage both inside and outside of Cuba, as they were seen as insensitive and disconnected from the reality of the country.
What was the reaction of the international media and the Cuban population to these statements?
The minister's statements were widely criticized by international media such as BBC, CNN, and El País, which deemed them insensitive and disconnected. The Cuban population reacted with outrage, sharing images of the real poverty on the island and demanding the minister's dismissal. The public response included everything from social media critiques to the collection of signatures to call for her resignation.
What measures were taken after the scandal involving Marta Elena Feitó's statements?
Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera submitted her resignation, which was accepted by the Political Bureau and the Council of State, following the intense public controversy. Although President Miguel Díaz-Canel made a vague statement regarding the lack of sensitivity, he did not directly mention the minister, which was interpreted as an attempt to distance himself without fully assuming political responsibility.
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