Hong Kong budget speech gains John Tsang political traction

Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah's latest budget announcement gained him not only rare praise from pan-democrats but buzz that he might be a dark horse candidate in the 2017 chief executive race.

Tsang picked up points with the young pro-democracy crowd following the months-long Occupy sit-ins by addressing them specifically in a paragraph in his annual budget speech.

He said Hongkongers' demands went beyond material goods.

"The people of this city, our younger generations in particular, are hungering for spiritual contentment. This is what a mature society should manifest … [and] needs to be addressed and dealt with," he said, adding conflicts should be resolved via conversation rather than clashes.

Tsang's remarks contrasted with those of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in his policy address last month, in which he criticised the University of Hong Kong student magazine for advocating the city's independence.

Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing agreed with Tsang that more constructive conversations were needed. Information technology lawmaker Charles Mok said the budget was better written than the policy address.