In less than two months Leung Chun-ying has lost about 50 percentage points to become the least popular head of government in the history of Hong Kong. Among the threats to his government also increased property prices and the continuous flow of people from mainland China.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Leung Chun-ying has become the least popular head of government in the history of the former British colony since, in 1997, Hong Kong was returned to mainland China. The protests against the introduction of "national education classes ", the indiscriminate increase in property prices and the flow of immigrants from the mainland are the basis of the collapse of its popularity, that in less than two months has lost about 50 percentage points.

The data was revealed by the public information program for the University of Hong Kong. According to Michael DeGolver, a professor at the Baptist university, Leung "is facing the biggest challenges ever faced by a chief executive." Although his predecessor Donald Tsang and Tung Chee-hwa fared no better: the popular protests in 2005 forced the resignation Tung, while Tsang had to apologize to the electorate for his "cosy" friendships with local financiers.

According to the Territory constitution's, the Basic Law all that remains of the legacy left by the British, Hong Kong must be governed until 2043 by a government - led by the Chief Executive in fact - made up of members elected by the population and others indicated by "electors ": financial groups and politicians who actually appoint their own man. Leung is believed to be hand in fist with the Chinese mainland, while for years the Catholic Church and democrats have been fighting for universal suffrage.

The collapse of his popularity is definitely linked to the introduction of educational reform, which involves the insertion of classes of "national education" in schools in Hong Kong. The new should "enhance" the economic successes of mainland China without discussing issues such as the Tiananmen Square crackdown or the human rights situation in the country. Launched by the central government in 2002, the reform was immediately opposed by the Catholic Church, according to Cardinal Zen, it is a "brainwashing" of students.

For the past 8 days, thousands of people (parents, students, teachers and ordinary citizens) are camped in the government district of Admiralty to ask the government to backtrack. While Beijing is in favor of the subject - the Minister Yuan Guiren "every citizen has to follow the national education" - Leung said yesterday he is ready to "take into account" the populations suggestions. For the demonstrators this is another false opening ahead of the elections for the Legislative Council to be held in a few days.

 

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