Hong Kong to Spend Millions Promoting Rule of Law After Protests

(Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong’s government will launch a multi-million dollar campaign to promote the rule of law after public trust in the government plummeted following months of violent pro-democracy protests and criticism over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

In his budget speech on Wednesday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced a HK$450 million ($58 million) plan to “strengthen our community’s understanding of the concept of the rule of law and its implementation.” The money will go to the Department of Justice for an awareness campaign entitled “Vision 2030 for Rule of Law.”

“Respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary are among the cornerstones underpinning Hong Kong’s success,” Chan said.

The marketing campaign comes after months of protests which saw Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s approval rating fall to a record low of just 9.1%. While authorities say numerous demonstrations have been unruly and illegal, many of the protesters say they’re battling to protect the rule of law and push back on an erosion of the city’s freedoms since its return to China in 1997.

The protests began over a since-scrapped bill allowing extraditions to the mainland. Even though protests waned over the Christmas break and over Chinese New Year, the government’s perceived mishandling of the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak provided a new battlefront for protesters -- and frontline medical staff -- to voice dissatisfaction with the government.

Hong Kong Leader’s Approval Rating Plunges to New Low Amid Virus

The city, which inherited a common law legal system from Britain, ranks highly in global rankings of rule of law, despite the running street battles between police and demonstrators. While protesters have lobbed petrol bombs and fired arrows, the police have faced widespread accusations of using excessive force.

The World Justice Project ranks Hong Kong the 16th best jurisdiction for the rule of law globally, just behind Japan and ahead of France and the U.S.

The initiative to promote respect for the rule of law comes after Chinese officials previously urged Hong Kong to instill more patriotism in Hong Kong students. And President Xi Jinping praised the neighboring former colony of Macau for its patriotic education on a recent visit.

In a previous campaign, Hong Kong’s government put out a rap video that criticized protesters for blocking roads and public transit, and suggested they would ruin their future if they attended protests.

To contact the reporter on this story: Iain Marlow in Hong Kong at imarlow1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Brendan Scott at bscott66@bloomberg.net, Adrian Kennedy, Fion Li

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.