China: Wang Yang more style than substance, some say

SCMP reports: “After taking office in 2007, Wang immediately caught the attention of reformers and foreign journalists for his promotion of more liberal policies and a seemingly softer leadership style.

“He appeared to have the potential to leverage a reform message into political success, and some began discussing him as a candidate for the Politburo’s Standing Committee after the party’s 18th national congress.

“But a consensus is beginning to take shape among political observers that Wang’s tenure in Guangdong was probably more about advancing his career than about pushing for reform.

“Analysts point to Wang’s failure to build a base of civic organisations and his unwillingness to institute more effective anti-corruption mechanisms. They say reports of censorship in the run-up to the party congress have also weakened Guangdong’s tradition of media freedom.”

Analysts praised Wang for dealing with “Wukan village uprising in which locals stormed a police station in an escalating dispute over government land grabs, rather than ordering police to forcefully crush the riot Wang released protest leaders, investigated land deals, jailed officials and oversaw elections to choose new leaders.”

“‘Wang is less authoritarian, very different from the many mainstream party officials known for their autocratic rule and disregard for universal values,’ said Cheng Yizhong, the founder and former editor of The Southern Metropolis Daily and The Beijing News.”

“Wang’s government initiated a corruption crackdown that netted thousands of wayward cadres, including former Guangdong political adviser Chen Shaoji . He also urged residents to discard the old notion that the party would provide for everything and to take more responsibility for their lives.

“But, as the party secretary’s tenure draws to a close, many say they have seen more style than substance.”

For details, please visit SCMP website at:

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1070656/guangdongs-wang-yang-more-style-substance-some-say

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