Letters | Hong Kong protests are fuelled by the ills of capitalism, not China’s Communist Party

Observers of the ongoing Hong Kong protests may be puzzled about what the protesters really want. After all, the extradition bill was suspended. So why the fuss now?

For the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been ranked the freest economy in the world and a fine demonstration of capitalism. Prosperity has, however, come at a cost. Skyrocketing property prices and an ever-widening wealth gap have been two direct consequences. Throw into the mix a lack of social mobility as well, and it’s easy for a young Hongkonger to feel that there is no way out.

There are two reasons I am convinced the protests are not about democracy. First, during the over 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong never enjoyed democracy. This is not to say that people cannot demand what they never had, but when protesters repeatedly reminisce about the “better days” of British rule, they do not refer to a democratic past, but to a period of relative equality.

Second, it is fair to say that international examples are discouraging. The US and the UK are each battling their own problems of populism and inequality. Furthermore, both are experiencing unprecedented wealth gaps. It is therefore hard to perceive how a democratic system mirroring either could resolve the problems in Hong Kong.