Anti-CY protesters explain why they took to the streets
What drives people to forgo a day off to march for or against the chief executive? Their reasons, it appears, range from the personal to high politics
They came from across the city, carrying different banners and with a wide range of concerns. About the only thing that united them was a wish to see Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying ousted, just six months into the job.
For some, the reasons for marching were deeply personal. For others, the march was about wider concerns and the future direction of Hong Kong.
One 70-year-old who identified herself as "Sister Fong" said she was marching for the benefit of the next generation.
CY supporters on why they chose to protest
Fong, who lives with her daughter, said she felt Leung was not doing anything to improve elderly welfare, despite his claims to be putting livelihood issues first.
"I lost a tooth but I didn't have money to get an implant. If the government would give us HK$3,000 a month, I would be happy," she said as she joined other supporters of the Alliance for Universal Pensions. Her daughter earns about HK$10,000 a month but Fong said she did not want to rely on her.
"Everything is getting more expensive nowadays," she said. "She can barely make ends meet for herself."
For about 100 villagers from Fanling North, Kwu Tung North, Ta Kwu Ling and Ping Che, the issue was plans for massive new towns in the northeastern New Territories that would see their rural homes razed to make way for high-rise housing.
A Mr Leung, 40, said he had lived in Ma Shi Po village since childhood. He makes a living by farming and does not want to move into a flat.
