AFP, published on Sunday, May 08, 2022 at 09:45
Hong Kong’s former security boss John Lee, who oversaw the crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, was named head of the city on Sunday by a small committee loyal to the Chinese regime.
This 64-year-old former police officer was the only candidate to succeed outgoing leader Carrie Lam, who did not seek a new five-year term.
He is Hong Kong’s first leader from a police background. Hong Kong’s security chief at the time of massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, he oversaw the crackdown on protest and the severe political takeover that followed.
« I understand that it will take me time to convince the population », conceded John Lee Sunday in front of the press. « But I can do it through action. »
He said he wanted to build a Hong Kong « full of hope, opportunity and harmony », now that authorities have « restored order from chaos ».
So far, his campaign has not given many concrete details of his policy, but he assured that he will reveal more details after he takes office on July 1, the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover. to China via the UK.
Hong Kong has never been a democracy, which has fueled public frustration and sometimes massive and violent protests for years.
Its leader is chosen by an « electoral committee » currently made up of 1,461 people, or about 0.02% of the city’s population.
After a brief secret ballot on Sunday, 99% of members (1,416) voted for John Lee and 8 voted against, authorities said. Thirty-three members did not vote.
– « Demonstration of the democratic spirit » –
Beijing hailed the near-unanimous result, saying it showed « Hong Kong society has a high level of recognition and approval » for Lee.
« It is a true demonstration of the democratic spirit, » the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said in a statement.
Demonstrations have been largely banned in Hong Kong, with authorities resorting to a ban on public gatherings of more than four people due to Covid, as well as a new national security law.
According to local media, around 6,000 to 7,000 police officers were mobilized to avoid any incidents during the designation process.
The League of Social Democrats – one of the last remaining pro-democracy groups – staged a three-person protest before the polls opened, chanting « power to the people, universal suffrage now ».
« We know this action will have no effect, but we don’t want Hong Kong to be completely silent, » protester Vanessa Chan said as dozens of police watched.
Under Xi Jinping, Beijing in 2020 imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony that stifled dissent, as well as a reform of the political system to ensure that Hong Kong is ruled exclusively by « patriots ». « loyal to the Chinese regime.
According to analysts, it was John Lee’s fervent support for this campaign of repression that earned him the confidence of the Chinese regime, which has traditionally been wary of Hong Kong’s political elites.
But it also applies to Mr. Lee to appear on a list of Chinese and Hong Kong personalities sanctioned by the United States.
John Lee will inherit a struggling town.
– « empty gesture » –
The pro-democracy movement has been crushed by the national security law, but much of the population still harbors a deep resentment against Beijing and the deep-seated inequalities in Hong Kong society.
And Hong Kong, the world’s third largest financial center, continues to live virtually cut off from the world due to its drastic restrictions against Covid-19.
Queuing outside a restaurant on Sunday, 25-year-old resident Alex Tam said he and his friends paid little attention to the proceedings.
« It’s just an empty gesture, » he told AFP. « If he didn’t listen to the protesters, I don’t see how he would listen to young people now, especially those who criticize the government. »
Retired businessman Yeung Wing-shun was more positive, saying he hopes Lee will lead Hong Kong with a « steady hand ».
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