Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Israeli media: Security incident in Gaza Strip classified as serious results in six wounded soldiers so far, two critically injured.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone strike targets vehicle in Deir Ames, Tyre governorate.
Lebanese Ministry of Health: Final toll from airstrike on car in Zebdine, Nabatieh District: Two martyrs, four injured
Egyptian media: Indirect talks between Hamas and Israelis begin in Sharm el-Sheikh.
AFP: France's new PM Sebastein Lecornu resigns just hours after unveiling cabinet.
Trump: Technical teams will meet again on Monday in Egypt to discuss and clarify the final details, and the first phase is scheduled to be completed this week
US President Donald Trump: Talks with Hamas have been very successful and are moving at a rapid pace
Local sources in Aleppo: Violent clashes erupt between the SDF and factions affiliated with the transitional authority on the Deir Hafer and Tishrin Dam fronts in the eastern Aleppo countryside
Israeli media: Interceptor missiles fired in an attempt to shoot down the drone
IOF Spokesperson: Sirens sounded amid suspected "enemy aircraft" infiltrating the Eilat area

Cuban leadership acts promptly after controversial poverty comments

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The New York Times + News websites
  • 19 Jul 2025 19:32
3 Min Read

Cuba’s labor minister steps down after public backlash to comments on poverty, highlighting the government’s sensitivity to social concerns.

  • x
  • FILE - A marcher holds a framed composite image of Fidel Castro, Raul Castro and Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, during the May Day parade at Revolution Square in Havana, May 1, 2025. (AP)
     A marcher holds a framed composite image of Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, and Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, during the May Day parade at Revolution Square in Havana, on May 1, 2025 (AP)

In a move underscoring the Cuban government’s continued responsiveness to the voice of its people, Labor and Social Security Minister Marta Elena Feito Cabrera stepped down this week after making controversial remarks during a televised interview that sparked widespread public concern.

Feito stated that individuals seen begging on Cuba’s streets were not genuinely in need, but were “disguised” to appear poor in order to earn what she termed as “easy money". “There are no beggars in Cuba,” she said, claiming that many of these individuals wore clothes or adopted appearances not reflective of their actual economic status.

Her comments, however, were seen by many as misaligned with the social sensitivities of a population enduring one of the most challenging periods in recent Cuban history. The following day, Feito’s resignation was accepted, with the government citing a lack of “objectivity and sensitivity” in her statements.

Cuban leadership’s commitment to accountability

Related News

'Israel’s' deliberate policies drive West Bank economy toward collapse

Tragic stampede at Nigerian school fair claims lives of 35 children

The speed of her departure was notable and highlights the Cuban leadership’s commitment to accountability and to upholding the socialist values of equality and social protection. Political analyst and retired Cuban diplomat Carlos Alzugaray noted that the swift action reflected both public concern and the leadership’s attentiveness. “What is unexpected in this case is the rapid popular reaction and the very quick reaction of the president,” he said, as cited by The New York Times.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly addressed the matter, stating that those often described as homeless or involved in begging reflect “concrete expressions of social inequalities and accumulated problems.” His statement reaffirmed the government's recognition of the hardships facing some citizens and the complexity of addressing them within a system shaped by both internal and external pressures.

Cuba continues to face deep economic challenges, many of which are the direct result of the decades-long, punitive US blockade. Despite these external constraints, the government remains committed to ensuring that no Cuban is abandoned. The revolutionary principles established by Fidel Castro continue to guide social policy toward protecting the most vulnerable, even amid global and regional economic turmoil.

Respect for public sentiment despite hardships

Economists like Ricardo Torres and Pavel Vidal, speaking with The New York Times from abroad, acknowledged the difficulty of the current moment, but their critiques reflect perspectives often disconnected from the on-the-ground efforts of a country that has weathered repeated foreign pressures while still maintaining public healthcare, education, and essential services for its people.

Feito’s remarks also touched on those collecting bottles and recyclables, accusing them of informal activity without tax regulation. While her comments were perceived as out of step with the current national mood, her resignation demonstrates how Cuba’s governance remains anchored in accountability and respect for public sentiment.

Public discourse has intensified in recent months, particularly around economic measures. In response to citizens' concerns, the government recently revised a proposed increase in mobile data charges and announced a 50% pension hike set to begin in September, a clear indication of the state's ongoing prioritization of the elderly and vulnerable.

  • Poverty
  • Marta Elena Feito Cabrera
  • Miguel Díaz-Canel
  • Cuban leadership
  • Cuba

Most Read

Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

  • West Asia
  • 30 Sep 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Tucker Carlson speaks at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (AP)

Tucker Carlson: Israeli officers gave orders on Iran inside Pentagon

  • Politics
  • 2 Oct 2025
ap

'Israel' pays influencers $7K per post to whitewash Gaza genocide

  • Politics
  • 1 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Hezbollah's representative in Iran, Sayyed Abdullah Safieddine, during an interview with Al Mayadeen which aired on October 6, 2025 (Al Mayadeen)
Politics

Tehran never interferes in Hezbollah decisions: Representative in Iran

Smoke billows over the Gaza Strip following an Israeli bombardment, as seen from southern Palestine, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Indirect talks for a ceasefire in Gaza begin in Sharm El-Sheikh

Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prepare to attend a military parad in Qamishli, northeastern Syria, Tuesday, August 12, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Security forces seal Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh districts

Amsterdam Captain Mohammed Ali Mohiuddin, who took part in the Global Sumud mission to Gaza, talks to Al Mayadeen on October 6, 2025 (Screengrab)
Politics

GSF captain says despite abuse, 'Israel weaker than spider's web'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS