(MENAFN) Li Qiang, a trusted ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping, was confirmed as the new premier of China on Saturday. Li, a former party chief of Shanghai who oversaw the city's rigorous two-month lockdown last spring, was named the successor of outgoing premier Li Keqiang at a meeting of the National People's Congress, China's rubber-stamp parliament. This move is seen as part of Xi's efforts to exert greater influence over the country's top leadership.
Li received almost all of the more than 2,900 votes from the delegates at the congress a day after Xi was unanimously selected by deputies for a third term as president, breaking with the two-term limit. Journalists were asked to leave the chamber as deputies, mostly dressed in dark suits, marked their votes on their ballots in a tightly choreographed process. Delegates later applauded as Xi ceremoniously deposited his votes in the ballot box while cheerful traditional music played from speakers.
Li's appointment had been in doubt following his handling of the Shanghai lockdown, which was criticized for causing residents to struggle to access food and medical care. However, his record and the protests last winter against Xi's zero-Covid policy were ignored as Xi consolidates his grip on Chinese politics.
Li's appointment marks a departure from previous premiers, as he does not have experience working at the central government level. This move is seen as part of Xi's efforts to put his own trusted allies in key positions of power.
As Xi cements his grip on Chinese politics, the country's leadership faces significant challenges, including managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic reforms, and rising tensions with other countries. Li's appointment as premier is expected to strengthen Xi's position as he seeks to tackle these challenges and further consolidate his power over the country's political system.
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