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Vivian Wu

Enthusiasm for discussion on issues critical to the running of the country failed to go beyond the NPC and CPPCC meeting venues, as many on the streets of Beijing were indifferent - if not cynical - towards the annual gatherings.

'We are in the low ranks  of society, the meetings are just for the high-ranking people,' said a 30-year-old cab driver.

'We have no right to speak out; does it really matter to our real lives?'  he asked.

'Our company has told us to keep our mouths shut during the meetings season to create a nice atmosphere in Beijing.'

A parking attendant at Tiananmen Square  said he believed the meetings would not bring  change  for his family.

'I was laid off. My family scratches along on the salary I make on this job. Will they really consider how to improve the lives of those who have lost their jobs?'

Another laid-off worker, from Liaoning province , was  more cynical.

'Old wine in new bottles. Every year the meetings are held, but do they really solve  problems?

'I heard Premier Wen vow to improve the lives of the needy when I was on the bus just now, that's exciting, but local officials never follow the central order,' said the 51-year-old, who was in Beijing for a medical consultation.

The Liaoning resident said he went to Tiananmen Square to visit Mao Zedong's mausoleum yesterday  morning, but found the entire square had been sealed off.

'Chinese of my generation worship Mao Zedong , who created the spirit of 'serve the people' and 'be honest and square',' he said.

'Why do they drive people off the square just because of a National People's Congress meeting?  Are they really holding the meeting for good of the people?'

But there were some optimists.

'It seems that many issues relating to  ordinary people may be figured out after the annual CPPCC and NPC each year, so I do expect to find out how the government deals with the issues ...  such as transport,  property prices, the environment and employment,' said  a 27-year-old  Beijing software worker.

Li Qing,  15,  said she wished the meetings  would help reduce the  burden on students.

'Will they consider cancelling college entrance exams? That would be perfect!' she giggled.



'Old wine in new bottles ... do they really solve problems?'