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The PALCO Business Group shared images on Facebook of the catering service provided during the working sessions of the National Assembly of People's Power, at the Palace of Conventions in Havana, sparking controversy on social media regarding the government's disconnection from the food scarcity faced by the people.
While most Cubans struggle to put something on the table every day, the regime's deputies enjoy elegant menus that have sparked outrage. It's not gourmet food, but there is a significant difference compared to what citizens consume daily in their homes.
Preparations of cold macaroni salad, vegetable salad featuring carrots and cucumbers, fries, soft golden-crusted bread, and even Cuban cake are available.
The published photos carefully omit the main dishes. Not a single type of meat is depicted, which hints at the regime's "cunning" to avoid controversy, in a country where the shortage of basic foods has made food a luxury.
The dining room of one of the restaurants at the Palace of Conventions features a banquet-worthy table setup. The photos are accompanied by the following message: “Commitment, dedication, and professionalism.” It is a supposed tribute to the staff working at PALCO to host the deputies.
However, rather than generating admiration, the display of delicacies has caused uproar and criticism. In a Cuba where hundreds of thousands survive on unsalted rice or just one egg a day, the contrast is offensive.
The post about PALCO and its cuisine comes right after the controversy involving the former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó, who this Monday denied the existence of beggars in Cuba during a Parliament session, which has been seen as a failed attempt to conceal the poverty and hunger on the island.
Feitó's statement was met with applause from the deputies, and it was only when the images were shared on social media that the scandal erupted. It triggered such a public outcry that less than 24 hours later, the official submitted her resignation.
The photos of the parliamentary banquet, according to some internet users, are graphic evidence of why the deputies applaud enthusiastically for every official report. “Full stomach, empty conscience,” said journalist Mario J. Pentón on his social media.
Amid one of the worst food crises in Cuba's history, the Palace of Conventions appears to be a gastronomic oasis for the political elite. Meanwhile, millions of Cubans continue to stand in lines, eating whatever is available and surviving on remittances or bartering, because salaries are insufficient to feed their families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the catering service at the Palace of Conventions in Cuba and the food crisis
What types of food are offered to Cuban deputies at the Palace of Conventions?
During the working sessions of the National Assembly, the deputies enjoy menus that include macaroni salads, vegetable salads, French fries, ham, olives, soft bread with a golden crust, and even Cuban cake. These meals stand in stark contrast to the daily diet of most Cubans, who face a severe shortage of basic food items.
What has been the public reaction to the images from the banquet at the Palace of Conventions?
The images of the catering service for the deputies sparked outrage and criticism on social media, as they show a stark contrast to the reality of scarcity experienced by the Cuban population. Many consider this display of extravagance to be an insult in a country where most people struggle to access basic food items.
What is the relationship between this event and the recent resignation of Minister Marta Elena Feitó?
The publication of the banquet images coincided with the resignation of Marta Elena Feitó, who had sparked controversy by denying the existence of beggars in Cuba. The resignation came after a strong citizen backlash to her statements, which were perceived as insensitive and disconnected from the reality of the country.
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