By John Ikani
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, is expected to secure a third term as the country’s president at a parliament meeting starting this weekend.
This comes despite criticism of his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economy.
Xi is certain to be reappointed as President, after he secured another five-year term as Head of the Communist Party and the military in October of last year.
Despite facing unexpected challenges and scrutiny over his leadership, Xi is expected to avoid any major issues during the National People’s Congress (NPC), a carefully orchestrated event that is expected to last around 10 days.
During this event, Xi’s presidency will be endorsed by the 3,000 delegates casting votes in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
The gathered lawmakers are also expected to set some of China’s lowest economic growth goals in decades on the opening day of the NPC.
Experts say that although public opinion may not be very positive towards Xi due to his zero-Covid policy and its subsequent abandonment that led to numerous deaths, he still holds a “pretty strong” position at the top of the party that makes him virtually unchallengeable.
China maintained some of the world’s strictest Covid curbs until late last year, which significantly impacted growth and social life.
Public resentment towards these curbs led to widespread protests in November. However, despite this, there is no sign that Xi’s position is in any doubt.
Li Qiang, a confidant of Xi and former Shanghai party chief, is set to be named premier.
