The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, visited the center for homeless individuals in Ciego de Ávila, in an attempt to counter the criticism sparked by recent statements made by the Minister of Labor, Marta Elena Feitó, who denied the existence of beggars in Cuba.
During the tour, Marrero was accompanied by the provincial governor and emphasized the “humanistic and social justice character of the Revolution”, while highlighting the role of these types of institutions in the “reintegration of individuals into society.”
The gesture of the prime minister is interpreted as a strategy to reinforce the governmental discourse on social protection, at a time when Cuban authorities are facing increasing public distrust and criticism over the deterioration of living conditions.
The visit occurs just a few days after the Minister of Labor and Social Security sparked controversy by stating that in Cuba “there are no beggars” and that the people seen on the streets picking up trash or cleaning windshields do so of their own volition, seeking "an easy way of life."
Her statements were characterized by numerous social media users as a denial of the social crisis that the country is experiencing.
Marta Elena Feitó also dismissed the existence of hunger or extreme poverty, contradicting reports from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, which states that over 80% of the Cuban population lives in poverty.
Since then, the official press has addressed the issue, and the provincial authorities have focused on the opening of centers for individuals with “wandering behavior”, which have recently been criticized by activists and citizens for their inadequate conditions, overcrowding, and for operating under a logic of mandatory confinement.
Marrero's visit seems to aim at presenting a contrasting image: that of an institution with social and reintegrative purposes.
Following Feitó Cabrera's statements, the Cuban regime has ultimately acknowledged the existence of begging in Cuba, using the euphemism "street dwellers."
Although the regime claims that it is "working" to improve the situation, the reality on the streets of Cuba shows that it has worsened: elderly people, mentally ill individuals, internal migrants, and homeless citizens wander through colonial squares and central avenues aimlessly and without institutional support, and what once seemed exceptional has now become routine.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Labor Minister Scandal in Cuba
What did the Minister of Labor of Cuba declare about the homeless?
The minister Marta Elena Feitó denied the existence of beggars in Cuba, stating that the individuals seen on the streets picking up trash or cleaning windshields do so of their own will and as an easy way of life. These statements sparked outrage among the public and in international media, as they contradict the visible reality of poverty in the country.
How did the Cuban government react to the minister's statements?
The Prime Minister Manuel Marrero visited a care center in Ciego de Ávila, highlighting the humanistic nature of the Revolution. The government attempted to distance itself from the minister's statements, noting that they do not reflect the official policy. However, no clear apologies were offered nor were any concrete actions announced to address the reported social crisis.
What impact did the scandal over the minister's statements have on the international stage?
The minister's statements were extensively covered by international media such as BBC, CNN, El País, and others, highlighting the disconnection and lack of empathy of the Cuban regime in the face of poverty. The international backlash underscored the growing discrediting of the Cuban government during a time of economic and social crisis.
What was the response of Cuban civil society to the controversy?
The Cuban civil society reacted with indignation, flooding social media with images and testimonies that depict the true poverty in Cuba. Intellectuals, artists, and activists condemned the insensitivity of the statements and demanded concrete measures from the government to address the social crisis in the country.
Filed under:
