China8217;s new leaders promise clean govt,graft control

Li made specific pledges to slash official perks and government extravagance to free up money for social welfare programs at a time of slower economic growth. He said a ban will be put on building new government offices,government payrolls will be reduced,as will spending on banquets,travel and cars behavior that has fueled public anger and protests. If the people are to live a good life,their government must be put on a tight budget, Li said in his first news conference as premier after the end of the annual session of the national legislature.

Earlier,in addressing the nearly 3,000 legislative deputies in the Great Hall of the People,Xi promised to root out corruption and other misconduct in all manifestations. He said peoples own aspirations must be part of the Chinese dream a signature phrase he has used to invoke national greatness. Each of us must have broad space to diligently realise our own dreams, he said.

The government should be the guardian of social fairness. We need to work hard to create equal opportunities for everyone,so that peoples hard work will be duly rewarded, Li said.

Though Xi and Li were installed as Nos. 1 and 2 in the party leadership in November,Sundays closing of the legislature means their government is now fully in place.

In talking tough about corruption,Li did not mention calls from experts to introduce public disclosure of official assets nor media reports about the huge wealth amassed by the family members of many in the communist elite.

Li said that a government restructuring approved by the legislature is intended to streamline decision-making and limit interference in peoples lives. He promised to reduce by at least a third the 1,700 approvals required by the State Council,or Cabinet,for financing of projects and other work.