Friday 15 March 2013

PRIME MINISTER LI KEQIANG

The Guardian

LI KEQIANG MADE PREMIER OF CHINA

Rubberstamp appointment puts Li Keqiang in charge of an economy that has faltered and a people impatient at inequity

The Guardian, March 15, 2013

China's ruling Communist party has appointed Li Keqiang as premier, bringing a highly orchestrated leadership transition nearer its end.

The party-controlled legislature overwhelmingly selected Li, the only candidate for the office, which is China's number two position politically and its top job in practical terms. There were 2,940 votes in favour with one opposed and six abstaining. A day earlier the legislature similarly appointed Xi Jinping to the ceremonial post of president, making him China's pre-eminent leader following his ascent last November to head the Communist party and the military.

The final vote was a foregone conclusion but choosing the candidates had taken years of fractious behind-the-scenes bargaining. Li Keqiang is a protege of the now-retired President Hu Jintao, while Xi Jinping is the son of a revolutionary veteran with backing among party elders.

(...) [article here]

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