Former Hong Kong security boss John Lee, who oversaw the repression of the pro-democracy movement, was appointed head of the city on Sunday May 8 by a small committee loyal to the Chinese regime.
John Lee, a 64-year-old former police officer, was the only candidate to succeed outgoing leader Carrie Lam, who decided not to seek another five-year term.
He is Hong Kong's first leader from a police background.
Hong Kong's security chief at the time of massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, he oversaw the crackdown on protest and the severe political takeover that followed.
Hong Kong has never been a democracy, which has fueled public frustration and sometimes massive and violent protests for years.
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The Hong Kong chief executive is appointed by an "electoral committee" of 1,461 people - or 0.02% of the population - made up of representatives of the political and economic elite, all loyal to Beijing.
John Lee, the only candidate, was approved with 1,416 votes by the committee.
Thirty-three members did not vote.
Demonstrations have been largely banned in Hong Kong, with authorities resorting to a ban on public gatherings of more than four people due to Covid, as well as a new national security law.
According to local media, around 6,000 to 7,000 police officers were mobilized to avoid any incidents during the designation process.
The League of Social Democrats - one of the last remaining pro-democracy groups - staged a three-person protest before the polls opened, chanting "power to the people, universal suffrage now".
"We know this action will have no effect, but we don't want Hong Kong to be completely silent," protester Vanessa Chan said as dozens of police watched.
Under Xi Jinping, Beijing in 2020 imposed a draconian national security law on the former British colony that stifled dissent, as well as a reform of the political system to ensure that Hong Kong is ruled exclusively by "patriots". "loyal to the Chinese regime.
The trust of the regime
According to analysts, it was John Lee's fervent support for this campaign of repression that earned him the confidence of the Chinese regime, which has traditionally been wary of Hong Kong's political elites.
"He is the man who passed the test," said Lai Tung-kwok, John Lee's predecessor as Hong Kong's security chief.
But it also applies to John Lee to appear on a list of Chinese and Hong Kong personalities sanctioned by the United States.
John Lee will inherit a struggling town.
The pro-democracy movement has been crushed by the national security law, but much of the population still harbors deep resentment towards Beijing and anger at the deep-seated inequalities in Hong Kong society.
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And Hong Kong, the world's third largest financial center, continues to live virtually cut off from the world due to its drastic restrictions against Covid-19.
Under the slogan "Starting a new chapter for Hong Kong together", John Lee promised "results-oriented" governance.
But his 44-page program, published last week, contains few concrete measures.
He said he will reveal more details after taking office on July 1, the 25th anniversary of the UK's handover of Hong Kong to China.
Queuing outside a restaurant on Sunday, 25-year-old resident Alex Tam said he and his friends paid little attention to the proceedings.
"It's just an empty gesture," he told AFP.
"If he didn't listen to the protesters, I don't see how he would listen to young people now, especially those who criticize the government."
Retired businessman Yeung wing-shun was more positive, saying he hopes Lee will lead Hong Kong with a "steady hand".
John Lee will take office on July 1, the 25th anniversary of Britain's handover of Hong Kong to China.
With AFP
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