Former Hong Kong security chief John Lee, who oversaw the crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, was appointed head of the city on Sunday by a small committee loyal to the Chinese regime.
This 64-year-old former police officer is the only candidate to replace outgoing leader Carrie Lam, who has not sought a new five-year term.
He was the first Hong Kong leader from a police background. Hong Kong’s security chief during the massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, he oversaw the crackdown on the protest and the intense political takeover that followed.
” I understand that it will take me time to convince the population […]. But I can do it through action. “
Mr. said. Lee that he wanted to build Hong Kong full of hope, possibility and unity now that the authorities have order was restored after the riot.
So far, John Lee has not provided many concrete details about his politics. But he made sure he had much more to reveal after sitting down on July 1, the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China by the United Kingdom.
A committee loyal to the Chinese regime
Hong Kong has never been a democracy, causing public frustration and sometimes massive and violent protests for years.
Its leader is chosen by a electoral committee currently comprised of 1461 people, or approximately 0.02% of the city’s population. After a short secret ballot on Sunday, 1,416 members voted for John Lee and eight opposed, and others abstained.
Congratulations Beijing, denounced byEU
Beijing praised the almost unanimous result, saying it already shows Hong Kong society has a high level of recognition and approval for John Lee.
This is a true demonstration of the democratic spirit said the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office in a statement.
The European Union for its part has criticized this designation. This one violates democratic principles and political pluralismtweeted the head of diplomacyEUJoseph Borrell. This is a new step in dismantling the “one country, two systems” principle.he estimated. The Chinese and Hong Kong authorities must respect their national and international commitmentshe concludes.
Demonstrations have been largely banned in Hong Kong, where authorities are using a ban on public gatherings of more than four people because of COVID as well as a new national security law.
According to local media, about 6,000 to 7,000 police were mobilized to prevent any incident in the assignment process.
The League of Social Democrats – one of the last remaining pro -democracy groups – staged a three -man protest before polls opened, chanting power over the people, universal voting today.
We know this action has no effect, but we don’t want Hong Kong to be completely silent.said protester Vanessa Chan as dozens of police looked on.
Under Xi Jinping in 2020, Beijing imposed a strict national security law on the former British colony preventing dissent, along with a reform of the political system to ensure that Hong Kong is ruled exclusively by patriots loyal to the Chinese regime.
According to analysts, John Lee’s fervent support for this campaign of repression has earned him the confidence of the Chinese regime, which has traditionally kept Hong Kong’s political elites at bay.
However, it also applies to Mr. Lee to appear on a list of Chinese and Hong Kong personalities authorized by the United States.
John Lee inherited a struggling town
The pro-democracy movement has been crushed by national security law, but most of the population still harbors intense resentment at Beijing and at the deep inequality in Hong Kong society.
And Hong Kong, the world’s third-largest financial center, continues to live virtually isolated from the world because of its strict restrictions against COVID-19.
Lined up outside a restaurant on Sunday, 25-year-old resident Alex Tam said he and his friends did not pay attention to the proceedings.
Just a pointless gesturehe said toAFP. If he didn’t listen to the protesters, I don’t see how he would listen to young people today, especially those who criticize the government.
Retired businessman Yeung Wing-shun is more positive, saying he hopes Lee will lead Hong Kong from a steady hand.
Source: Radio-Canada
