The Legislative Council passed the 2022 Appropriation Bill (Budget) in the third reading today (4th). During his speech, Financial Secretary Paul Chan focused on reviewing the changes in Hong Kong's economic environment during his tenure, revealing in more detail the "source of the idea of distributing consumer vouchers". "It turned out to be related to the "caring and sharing" plan that distributed 4,000 yuan from 2018 to 2019, and was "disturbed" by the public. In this matter, he made a special discovery.
When asked if he intends to stay in the next government if he is invited, Chen Maobo did not respond positively, only that he would focus on following up the work of the Budget during the rest of his term.
"It turns out that a lot of people's income gap is so big"
Chen Maobo pointed out that in 2018 and 19, the economic growth momentum was very good, the unemployment rate was only 2.9%, and the per capita GDP was 46,000 yuan. However, some people still reported that the problem of the disparity between the rich and the poor was serious.
He recalled that the government heard opinions in 2018 that there were already many measures such as rent payment for public housing, tax rebates, and rates rebates in the Budget, and that some people may benefit from redistributing money. Get 4,000 yuan or make up the difference: "Administratively, I won't ask me to talk about it more. If there is a problem, what is it?" So he carefully reflected and studied afterwards, and he must balance the administration and efficiency.
However, Chen Maobo pointed out that the administrative confusion is not the main point, but he found a phenomenon from this plan: the people who finally meet the qualifications for application, even if the above-mentioned ones have been excluded, they live in public housing, receive CSSA, and get tax rebates. Pay more than $4,000: "How many people do you estimate? 3 million people." Even assuming some of the people are housewives and college students, it's still a very high number.
In other words, today's society and economy have developed to such a relatively high level and per capita GDP is so high. It turns out that there are a large number of people, and the income gap in various aspects is really huge.
This is also one of the reasons why I will think about it later. When you proposed measures in the Budget, we chose to use consumer coupons in the end.
It is through consumer coupons that it can be widely used to benefit different citizens. I hope that through this, in such a difficult economic environment, some of their pressure can be relieved.
Chen Maobo
Chen Maobo and Zheng Ruohua did not respond whether to stay in office or not
Chen Maobo met with reporters after the third reading, saying that he was very grateful to the 87 members who voted in favor and all their valuable opinions. The last "Budget" of this year was completed under severe challenges such as the epidemic. Times are tough.
He pointed out that in order to avoid the "dominoes-style collapse" of small and medium-sized enterprises, a plan to postpone rent recovery was introduced, which was finally approved.
He believes that with the solid support of the country and the fighting spirit of the Hong Kong people, Hong Kong will be able to overcome the difficulties.
When asked if he would stay in the post if he was invited, Chen Maobo only said "thank you for your concern", and now he should focus on doing his best to follow up the budget.
When the Secretary for Justice, Zheng Ruohua, left, she was also asked whether she would stay in the next government, how she viewed the rumored new candidate Mo Shulian, and even if the defendant pleaded guilty under the National Security Law would not receive a deduction from his sentence, she did not respond at all.
In addition, it was reported that Ge Peifan of the DAB was recommended to join the new government. She did not respond positively, only saying that "I have not received any news."
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