Chen Liangyu, Shanghai's disgraced former party secretary, has been
dismissed from his representative status in the National People's
Congress. The move follows his dismissal from all government
activities in July, ahead of an expected trial on corruption charges.
Also today, Xinhua reports that President Hu Jintao has removed
Finance Minister Jin Renqing from his post.
In July, Chen was dismissed from all government roles and expelled
from the Communist Party of China over the city's ongoing pension fund
scandal, which was uncovered last year. Chen stands accused of having
abused his powers on several counts, mainly by granting funds - drawn
from the city's social security funds - to private companies. In
addition, Chen is allegedly responsible for seeking illegal profits
from commercial project approvals, land planning and promotions of
officials. Beijing-based Caijing magazine has reported that Chen is
set to stand trial on charges of accepting bribes and abuse of power.
No reason was cited for the abrupt sacking of Jin Renqing from its
post as Finance Minister, though it undoubtedly presages a greater
shake-up of top governmental positions ahead of this autumn's 17th
party congress. Jin is credited with overseeing China's ongoing
economic boom during the past four years. Media reports in Hong Kong
said the removal from office was due to "personal reasons."
News & Interviews 
(0 vote)
