Table of Contents
The NPC
- The National People’s Congress meets in full session for two weeks each year and votes on important pieces of legislation.
- NPC typically includes all of the senior officials in Chinese politics.
- Usually convenes in March
- The Congress votes on important pieces of legislation.
The Members
- With 2,980 members in 2018, it is the largest parliamentary body in the world.
- 5 year term for members
- Currently 13th Congress (2008-2023) is in session
- Members are considered to be part-time legislators and are not paid.
Great Hall of people
The NPCSC
- The majority of the power of the NPC is exercised by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC), which consists of about 175 legislators.
- Elite among the chosen elite.
An ‘Upper House ’
- CPPCC – The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference 2200 members
- The organisation consists of delegates from a range of political parties and organisations, as well as independent members.
- Consultative /advisory role
- No election, appointments are made.
What does the NPC do?
- Framing laws
- Political appointments
- Appointment of President
- Governments reports are tabled
- Annual Work report – reviews the past year.
- Defence budget announced.
- GDP Growth targets are announced
What’s the importance
- A window into China’s Political and economic decisions for future
- Political appointments
- Defence and security outlook of China
- The meeting “sets the tone” for the country’s macroeconomic policies.
- Rare media access into the workings of Chinese Govt.
2020 Congress
- Began on 22 May 2020
- Delayed due to COVID 19
- A signal to the world – Life is back to ‘normal’ in China
- Delegates have been made to take nucleic acid tests for the virus before being allowed to travel to Beijing
- Masks will be required, windows will be opened to improve ventilation
2020 Highlights
- ‘Victory’ against the Coronavirus
- NO GDP targets set
- No stimulus package announced
- Focus on stabilisation of employment and eradicating poverty.
Hong Kong
- New national security laws will be considered for Hong Kong.
A ‘toothless’ Tiger?
- Questions have always been raised about the ‘democratic’ nature of the congress.
- Most important decisions are already made and merely ‘announced ‘ during the congress
- Hardly any ‘consensus building’ takes place.
- NPC acts a forum for rubber-stamping party decisions.
Democracy Index Ranking
Criticism
- In past 2 decades, the NPC has taken a Little proactive role in few cases and rejected a some draft bills proposed by the government.
- Future??
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