Hong Kong leader warns democracy activists of 'anarchy'
By James Pomfret and Donny Kwok
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying warned pro-democracy protesters on Wednesday they risked "anarchy" as he sought to bolster his support in his first policy address since demonstrations rocked the financial hub last year.
Before Leung gave his annual speech, opposition lawmakers disrupted proceedings, calling on him to step down. Some held up banners demanding full democracy and then walked out of the legislature under yellow umbrellas - a symbol of the protests.
The session had be adjourned briefly as security guards hauled off two democratic lawmakers. About 70 pro-democracy protesters gathered outside the Legislative Council, along with dozens of Leung's supporters.
The policy blueprint has been a key platform for leaders in the Chinese-controlled city to hand out billions to the less-advantaged in the form of tax breaks, or to signal shifts in economic, property and political policies.
"As we pursue democracy, we should act in accordance with the law, or Hong Kong will degenerate into anarchy," Leung, dressed in a dark suit and sky-blue tie, told city legislators.
The former British colony returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that gives it some autonomy from the mainland and a promise of eventual universal suffrage. Beijing has allowed a free vote for city leader in 2017, but insists on screening candidates.
Protesters demanding full democracy occupied parts of the city for more than two months late last year with Leung himself a target of their anger.
He must now try to boost his ratings among a population that knows that, under Beijing's watchful gaze, he is unable to offer anything significant in the way of democratic reform.
At the same time, he must perform a balancing act by healing divisions, maintaining strong ties with Communist Party rulers in China, on which Hong Kong's economy overwhelmingly depends, and ensuring that the city's economy - expected to grow about 2.2 percent this year - remains on a steady keel.
Read more from the original source:
Hong Kong leader warns democracy activists of 'anarchy'