Hong Kong leader Lam won’t seek new term after five years marked by protests and COVID-19
PBS NewsHourJul 28, 2022
The Facts
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who has governed the Chinese-controlled region since 2017, confirmed on Mon. that she will not seek a second 5-yr term of office.
She informed Beijing last year about her desire to retire due to family considerations. Her term ends Jun. 30.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
Carrie Lam's term has been devastating for Hong Kong. Despite her campaigning to unify the city, she has only spurred division. Now that China is in full control of Hong Kong and democracy has waned, prospects are even darker - the next chief executive is expected to enforce the new totalitarian regime.
Pro-China narrative
Lam guided Hong Kong from chaos to stability during challenging times, integrating the territory into Chinese development plans and preventing Western interference in Hong Kong's affairs. She ushered a new era of local governance in the city by ensuring only patriots will be able to govern and by implementing national security laws. She delivered solutions to persistent problems.