**Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam has announced her resignation, triggering a race to replace her as the city’s Beijing-chosen chief executive.**.
Lam, who has overseen the city’s turbulent years since the 2019 anti-government protests, said she would step down on June 30. Her departure comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with her leadership and a widening political divide in the semi-autonomous Chinese city..
Lam’s successor will be chosen by a 1,200-member election committee stacked with pro-Beijing figures. The selection process is widely seen as a way for China to maintain its tight grip on Hong Kong, which it took back from British colonial rule in 1997..
Lam’s departure is a significant moment in Hong Kong’s political landscape. She is the first chief executive to resign before the end of her term since the city’s handover to China..
Her resignation comes at a time of great uncertainty for Hong Kong. The city is still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a heavy toll on its economy. The city is also facing growing pressure from China, which has imposed a sweeping national security law that has been used to crack down on dissent..
**The front-runner to replace Lam is John Lee, the city’s current security chief.** Lee is a former police officer who oversaw the crackdown on the 2019 protests. He is seen as a staunch supporter of Beijing and is likely to continue Lam’s hardline approach to dissent..
Other potential candidates include Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Education Secretary Kevin Yeung, and former chief secretary Matthew Cheung..
The election for Lam’s successor is scheduled to be held on May 8. The winner will be announced on May 9..
Lam’s resignation is a major development in Hong Kong’s political landscape. It remains to be seen whether her successor will be able to address the city’s deep-seated problems and restore public trust in the government..
