Key Facts
• July 16, 2025: Cuban Labor Minister Marta Elena Feit resigns amid controversy.
• Feit claimed, “There are no beggars in Cuba,” sparking public outrage.
• Cuba faces its worst economic crisis in 30 years, with rising poverty rates.
• 189,000 households and 350,000 people rely on welfare, per government data.
• Average monthly income is under $20, with homelessness increasing in two years.
• President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized Feit for her “lack of sensitivity.”
• Experts blame U.S. sanctions, failed policies, and COVID-19 for economic decline.
• Cuba’s economy shrank by 1.9% in 2023 and is projected to contract by 1.1% in 2024.
Summary
Cuban Labor Minister Marta Elena Feit resigned on July 16, 2025, following backlash over her controversial statement that “there are no beggars in Cuba.” Her remarks, made during a televised parliamentary session, dismissed the visible poverty and struggles of many Cubans, including those scavenging for food. The statement provoked public outrage, with citizens sharing images of extreme poverty on social media. President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned Feit’s insensitivity, emphasizing the need to address Cuba’s social inequalities. The country is grappling with severe economic challenges, including inflation, food shortages, and frequent power outages. Experts attribute the crisis to U.S. sanctions, domestic policy failures, and the pandemic’s impact on tourism. Government data reveals that 189,000 households and 350,000 individuals depend on welfare, while the average monthly income remains below $20. Homelessness and begging have surged in recent years, reflecting the deepening crisis. Cuba’s economy contracted by 1.9% in 2023 and is expected to shrink further by 1.1% in 2024.
