Death of Former Premier Li Keqiang Sparks Nationwide Mourning and Discontent with Xi Jinping's Leadership in China
Former Premier Li Keqiang Remembered for His Reform-Minded Leadership and Empathetic Nature, as Surveillance Tightened on Tributes and Mourners Voice Dissatisfaction with Xi's Policies and Economic Management.
- Former Premier Li Keqiang, who passed away due to a sudden heart attack, is fondly remembered for his reform-minded leadership and empathy. His death sparked nationwide mourning, coupled with voiced dissatisfaction about Xi Jinping's leadership.
- Li’s death has allowed the public to express their brewing discontent for Xi Jinping's policies, with many considering Li's former role as an opportunity missed for steering China onto a different, less authoritarian path, more focused on market reforms, entrepreneurship, and global interaction.
- Despite being side-lined by Xi during his term as premier, Li was commended for his dedication to the less privileged, often publicly acknowledging that approximately 40% of China's population still lived with a meager monthly income despite the official government propaganda of successful poverty elimination.
- Li's death signifies a challenging moment for the ruling Communist Party as it threatens to become a rallying point of express disaffection for Xi's leadership. Social media has witnessed a curated control of tributes, with posts and videos displaying Li's reformist tendencies or criticizing Xi being swiftly removed.
- Despite economic challenges, Li's leadership, often referred to as 'Likonomics', promoted private economy, foreign investment and simplication of government processes. Following his death, current and future economic policies and management in China are viewed with uncertainty and concern.
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