Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam leaves her annual policy address due to disruptions by pro-democracy lawmakers in the Legislative Council on October 16, 2019.
Anthony Wallace | AFP | Getty Images
Pro-democracy lawmakers shouted at Hong Kong embattled leader Carrie Lam on the floor of the legislature as she was set to deliver her annual speech on Wednesday.
Those legislators yelled “five demands, not one less,” referencing the list of requests by protesters.
Lam was set to formally withdraw the extradition bill that sparked nearly five months of sometimes violent protests in the city. The bill’s retraction meets one of the protester demands.
Lam’s remarks were initially suspended amid disruption. As she was set to begin her address a second time, pro-democracy lawmakers interrupted her and some even threw objects at her. Live feeds of the meeting were cut amid the disorder.
The proceedings were adjourned as the six democratic lawmakers were escorted out of the room. Lam also left the legislature’s chambers.
Outside the chambers, pro-democracy lawmakers held an impromptu press conference and called for Lam to step down.
The government subsequently said Lam will instead deliver her remarks by video at 12:15p.m. local time.
Pro-democracy lawmakers wearing masks with the image of Chinese President Xi Jinping disrupt proceedings during the annual policy address of Carrie Lam on October 16, 2019.
Anthony Wallace | AFP | Getty Images
She was expected to also focus on land and housing initiatives in a bid to restore confidence in the city’s future after months of anti-government protests that have crippled the city and dampened investor sentiment in the Asian financial hub.
The semi-autonomous city battles to overcome its greatest political turmoil since 1997, when the former British colony was handed over to China. Hong Kong now operates under the “one country, two systems” principle, in which Beijing grants Hong Kong citizens financial and legal independence from the mainland.
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