Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel moved on Tuesday, 15 July, to contain a domestic backlash after a cabinet minister claimed that the island has “no beggars,” saying those seen on the streets are merely “disguised” as such. The remarks, reported by multiple local and international outlets, drew swift criticism at a time when the country faces deep economic hardship and rising visible poverty. In posts and statements released the same day, Díaz-Canel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing “social vulnerability,” calling the issue a matter of “high sensitivity for the Revolution.” He told lawmakers that ongoing parliamentary meetings were examining more than 80 economic and social measures, and stressed that “the Revolution cannot leave anyone behind.” The president’s intervention underscores Havana’s efforts to project attention to social welfare as shortages of food, medicine and basic goods persist. While Díaz-Canel did not directly name the minister, his comments were widely interpreted as a public rebuke, and they signaled a push to realign official messaging with the government’s pledge to protect the most vulnerable amid the prolonged economic crisis.