Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced that he will deliver the 2025 Policy Address earlier in September, with public consultation on it to start on Monday.
The Policy Address is typically unveiled in October. However, because the Legislative Council (LegCo) elections will be held in December, the government has decided to bring it forward this year, Lee told reporters on Tuesday.
The 2025 Policy Address will be Lee’s fourth address since he took office in July 2022.
Lee announced in March that the legislative elections would be held on December 7. It will be the second election since authorities introduced an electoral overhaul in 2021 to ensure only “patriots” could stand for office.
In March 2021, Beijing passed legislation to ensure “patriots” govern Hong Kong. The move reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control of elections and introduced a pro-Beijing vetting panel to select candidates. Authorities say the overhaul ensures the city’s stability and prosperity. But the changes also prompted international condemnation, as much of the traditional opposition remains behind bars, in self-exile or has quit politics.
71,000 free MTR tickets on July 1
Lee also announced on Tuesday a series of events and special offers to mark the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China on July 1, including flag-raising ceremonies, carnivals, and a foot drill performance, as well as free transport and discounts.
Railway operator the MTR will distribute 71,000 electronic tickets through a lottery on July 1, and winning passengers can take a free ride on a designated local route any day within six months, he said.
Members of the public can also ride the Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai and the tram for free for three consecutive days starting from July 1.
In addition, more than 1,000 eateries and shops will offer promotions on July 1.
Various indoor and outdoor recreational facilities- including the Hong Kong Wetland Park, permanent exhibitions at the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum, all exhibitions at the M+ art museum, and all special exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum – will be open for free on that day, the chief executive said.
