Li Keqiang, the former premier of China and once the second most powerful man in the ruling Chinese Communist Party, has passed away at the age of 68. The news of his sudden death due to a heart attack has shocked the nation and the world. Li, despite eventually being sidelined by President Xi Jinping, was a popular leader known for his pragmatism in economic policies and his focus on reducing the wealth gap and providing affordable housing.
Li’s rise to power was remarkable, considering he did not have a power base within the party. Born in a modest family background, he witnessed the turbulence of the Cultural Revolution and even worked as a “sent-down youth” in a rural area. However, Li’s academic achievements and dedication propelled him through the ranks of the Chinese Communist Youth League, where he worked under Hu Jintao, who later became China’s president.
Li’s political career flourished when he became the youngest provincial governor in China, leading the central province of Henan. His tenure saw significant economic growth, but also challenges like the spread of the HIV virus through contaminated blood transfusions, which led to accusations of a cover-up. However, Li’s successes in Henan and later in the north-eastern province of Liaoning earned him a position in the Politburo Standing Committee, the top echelon of the party’s central leadership.
In 2013, Li was appointed premier and introduced his economic policy known as “Likonomics”. His focus was on structural reform and debt reduction to steer China away from debt-fueled growth towards self-sustainability. However, his economic leadership was gradually weakened as President Xi asserted his power through various reforms and appointments. Eventually, Vice Premier Liu He took over the task of economic management, while Li’s influence diminished.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, Li remained a popular leader due to his commitment to the less privileged and his policies aimed at reducing the wealth gap and providing affordable housing. He was seen as a pragmatist who balanced economic growth with social considerations. His reputation as an advocate for the less privileged endeared him to many Chinese citizens.
Li’s unexpected death leaves a void in Chinese politics and raises questions about the future direction of the party. The loss of a leader who focused on reducing the wealth gap and improving the lives of the less privileged could have implications for China’s social and economic policies. It remains to be seen who will succeed Li and whether they will continue his legacy of addressing social inequality.
As the nation mourns the loss of Li Keqiang, it is important to remember his contributions and the impact he had on China’s political landscape. His story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful leader serves as an inspiration to many. The legacy of Li Keqiang will be remembered for his pragmatism, dedication to the less privileged, and efforts to reduce the wealth gap in China.
