Residential buildings are illuminated under Lion Rock in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on May 7. Lawmakers have shelved plans to impose a vacancy tax, which was designed to punish property developers who hoard newly completed flats, taking advantage of the housing shortages to push up prices. Photo: Sun Yeung
Opinion
Opinion
When Hong Kong’s lawmakers can’t get their own house in order, no wonder Beijing is stepping in
- Toxic politics has crippled Hong Kong. While Beijing officials act with lightning speed on important legislative work in the shape of a new national security law, we cannot even enact a waste disposal charge, vacancy tax on property or an extension to maternity leave
Residential buildings are illuminated under Lion Rock in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on May 7. Lawmakers have shelved plans to impose a vacancy tax, which was designed to punish property developers who hoard newly completed flats, taking advantage of the housing shortages to push up prices. Photo: Sun Yeung