Talking points

The eyes of global market observers - and conspiracy theorists - turn to the Swiss mountain resort of Davos, where the great and the good gather for the annual World Economic Forum. The gathering brings together more than 1,500 business leaders and up to 50 heads of state or government. They will be shielded from dissent by a ring of razor wire and up to 5,000 Swiss soldiers. Activists and left-wing Swiss groups plan small protests against financial speculation.

The government will be urged to formulate more policies for middle-class people who "pay large amounts of tax but enjoy few welfare benefits" in a debate at the Legislative Council. Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat will move a motion urging the government to put forward proactive measures to cater for the aspirations and interests of middle-class families, which she argues have come under heavy career and livelihood pressures.