Chinese officials told to keep away from luxury

grahamearnshaw

15 years ago

China’s anti-graft chief He Guoqiang has urged officials to carry out a thrifty style in life and work. He restated the country’s campaign to curb "official luxury".

He, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks at a meeting on the practices of the policies on keeping a thrifty style and curbing sightseeing abroad on public money.

He Guoqiang said, "The central authorities’ decision on curbing officials’ using public money to sightsee abroad is a necessary step for our country to cope with the global economic crisis and a long-term strategic policy to draw the Party closer to the people."

Statistics show that in the first six months of this year, departments of the central Party organs and government departments saved a total of RMB597 million ($87.3 million) from overseas trips, vehicle purchases and business receptions.

Local government organizations saved RMB15.2 billion.

China View reported that He Guoqiang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, urged Party and government organizations at all levels to "stoutly" check and manage any luxury cases that violated laws and disciplines and punish whoever is involved.