Lakhota
Diamond Member
HONG KONG -- Representatives from trade unions, women's groups and left-leaning political parties marched on the house of Hong Kongâs Chief Executive C.Y. Leung on Wednesday after he told media outlets that free elections would give poor people too much power.
On Tuesday, Hong Kongâs Chief Executive said in an interview that Hong Kong required a nominating committee to screen electoral candidates, claiming that if the city allowed the direct civil nomination demanded by democracy protesters, âyouâd be talking to the half of the people in Hong Kong who earn less than $1,800 a month.â
Several hundred marchers railed against Leung's comments and a system they claim is rigged to favor business interests, marking a concerted effort to build support among Hong Kongâs working class for the student-led democracy protests that have paralyzed parts of the city for weeks.
âThe rich men and most of the capitalists use their power and money to control our Hong Kong economy,â said Ray Cheng, a student who was at the demonstrations representing a group that assists low-income workers. Cheng carried a sign decrying the âbloodsucking capitalistsâ who he says hold sway over Hong Kongâs political decisions.
âWe come from the lower class, low-income class, and we are oppressed by them,â said Cheng.
More: Hong Kong Protesters March After Leader Says Democracy Gives Poor Too Much Power
Hong Kongâs Chief Executive C.Y. Leung sounds like the Republican Party. Sound familiar? Many rightwingers would like to restrict voting rights of the poor - and others.
On Tuesday, Hong Kongâs Chief Executive said in an interview that Hong Kong required a nominating committee to screen electoral candidates, claiming that if the city allowed the direct civil nomination demanded by democracy protesters, âyouâd be talking to the half of the people in Hong Kong who earn less than $1,800 a month.â
Several hundred marchers railed against Leung's comments and a system they claim is rigged to favor business interests, marking a concerted effort to build support among Hong Kongâs working class for the student-led democracy protests that have paralyzed parts of the city for weeks.
âThe rich men and most of the capitalists use their power and money to control our Hong Kong economy,â said Ray Cheng, a student who was at the demonstrations representing a group that assists low-income workers. Cheng carried a sign decrying the âbloodsucking capitalistsâ who he says hold sway over Hong Kongâs political decisions.
âWe come from the lower class, low-income class, and we are oppressed by them,â said Cheng.
More: Hong Kong Protesters March After Leader Says Democracy Gives Poor Too Much Power
Hong Kongâs Chief Executive C.Y. Leung sounds like the Republican Party. Sound familiar? Many rightwingers would like to restrict voting rights of the poor - and others.
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