‘Thrilling’ report from ‘saviour of socialism’: cadres gather to heap praise on Xi Jinping
Panel discussions an opportunity for top politicians to show their loyalty to the president by gushing about his ‘glorious chapter of Marxism’
During the first two days of the party congress, various delegations have held discussions about Xi Jinping’s work report. The panels, some of them open to non-mainland media, are important occasions for politicians to publicly demonstrate their unflinching loyalty to General Secretary Xi and to heap praise on the powerful leader.
Xi summed up his accomplishments and unveiled his own political philosophy – “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” – in a 3½-hour speech at the opening session of the congress on Wednesday.
The report was followed by a wave of enthusiasm and flattery. Here is how some of the most prominent politicians reacted to Xi’s speech.
Beijing party chief Cai Qi
Beijing party chief Cai Qi, a close associate of Xi, offered extravagant praise for the president during a closed-door discussion by the delegation from the capital.
“General Secretary Xi Jinping has the great plans, forward-looking vision, and firm beliefs of a Marxist politician, philosopher, theoretician and strategist,” Cai said.
Cai described Xi’s “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era” as the third historic leap forward in China’s application of Marxist-Leninism, after Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory.
Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong
Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong, who worked under Xi when they were both officials in Zhejiang province, said Xi’s leadership is the “fundamental factor” behind China’s recent achievements.
