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High hopes pinned on parliament session
(Xinhua) Updated: 2008-03-02 17:29 BEIJING -- Lawmakers from across China began arriving in Beijing on Sunday for the annual parliament session that is widely considered a "test run" for the Olympic host city ahead of the Games. The First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) and the First Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), set to open here on Wednesday and Monday respectively, will put to test Beijing's environment, traffic, public services as well as the government's capacity in dealing with emergencies. The annual event in the wake of the worst winter weather crisis in 50 years has become particularly unusual, with the Beijing Games some five months away and with personnel changes, government reshuffles and a wide range of issues concerning the interests of the people high on its agenda. From the NPC deputies and political advisors to men in the street, the whole nation is hoping that the "Two Sessions" will address the consumer price index, housing, medical service, education, social security, corruption and many other issues faced by China in its drive towards a harmonious and moderately prosperous society. Hearing Voices of the People The parliament session has drawn widespread attention among the public since three weeks before its opening, with wide participation in online polls on the proposed focal points of the meetings as well as messages and proposals the public wishes to convey to Premier Wen Jiabao. An online poll named "I have a question for the Premier", hosted by the official xinhuanet.com, has received more than 60,000 postings by Sunday, ranging from national economic growth and environment woes to better social welfare for the handicapped and rural residents. |
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