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

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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.