HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuba’s labor minister has denied the existence of beggars in the impoverished Communist-run country during official testimony, leading to rare criticism from Cuban President Miguel DÃaz-Canel towards one of his ministers on Tuesday. Labor and Social Security Minister Marta Elena Feito stated on Monday before a parliamentary commission that, “We have observed individuals who may appear to be beggars, but upon closer inspection of their hands and clothing, they are disguising themselves as such… In Cuba, there are no beggars.” She further commented that these individuals have opted for an easy lifestyle of making money without engaging in proper work.
Feito’s statements caused a stir in Cuba, where years of economic crisis have resulted in rampant inflation and scarcity of essential goods, leaving a significant portion of the population struggling to make ends meet and an increasing number of visibly impoverished individuals on the streets. President Diaz-Canel addressed the issue during the same commission, stating, “These individuals, often referred to as homeless or associated with begging, are tangible manifestations of the social inequalities and deep-rooted problems we are grappling with. I do not agree with some of the views expressed by the commission on this matter.”
Feito portrayed individuals cleaning windshields at intersections as potentially seeking money for alcohol consumption, and those collecting trash as unlicensed self-employed recyclers evading taxes. Diaz-Canel emphasized, “The economic crisis has exacerbated social issues… The vulnerable are not our adversaries.” The minister was notably absent from the live broadcast of Tuesday’s parliamentary session. (Reporting by Marc Frank, additional reporting by Nelson Acosta; Editing by Rod Nickel)
