Singapore PM Lee to Hand Reins to Wong After Two Decades

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, will step down Might 15 as a part of a long-planned succession, ending a two-decade run and ushering in a brand new period led by his deputy Lawrence Wong.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong, 51, who’s additionally finance minister, will turn into the city-state’s fourth premier the identical day. Wong has the unanimous help of the ruling social gathering lawmakers, in accordance with an announcement issued by the Prime Minister’s Workplace on Monday.

“I ask all Singaporeans to present Lawrence and his workforce your full help, and work with them to create a brighter future for Singapore,” Lee mentioned in a submit on Fb.

Below Lee’s helm, Singapore’s gross home product per capita greater than trebled to just about $92,000, changing into one of many world’s highest. The island has additionally sought to advance its enchantment as a beacon for international buyers in an more and more aggressive area.

“Each ounce of my vitality shall be dedicated to the service of our nation and our individuals,” Wong mentioned in a video posted on Instagram. “Collectively, we will construct a future that shines brightly for all Singaporeans.”

Singapore’s management succession is a fastidiously telegraphed occasion that’s been years within the making. Lee’s earlier want to hand over the reins earlier than he turned 70 was disrupted by Covid-19 and the shock resolution in 2021 by then-designated successor Heng Swee Keat to step apart, citing his age.

Lee was first elected in 1984. He turned prime minister in 2004, making him one of many longest-serving present political leaders on the planet. His father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, served as Singapore’s first prime minister from 1959 to 1990. The elder Lee and Lee’s predecessor Goh Chok Tong have been made senior ministers after resigning as premiers.

The ruling Folks’s Motion Celebration had its worst efficiency within the 2020 election regardless of profitable 89% of parliamentary seats. The opposition pushed for measures to assist low-income Singaporeans and a choice to rent locals over foreigners.

Lee has mentioned the management succession would coincide with the vote that’s due by 2025 and he can be on the “new PM’s disposal.”

The once-in-a-generation shift is anticipated to take care of continuity even when Wong doesn’t share the political pedigree of his predecessor. Earlier than he joined politics in 2011, Wong was a civil servant together with a stint as Lee’s principal non-public secretary.

Wong faces challenges amid home anxieties over still-elevated prices of dwelling and employee competitiveness. The handover additionally comes on the again of a collection of scandals which have rattled the ruling social gathering’s status for clear governance, together with a minister who’s been charged with corruption and subsequently resigned.

Monday’s announcement comes at a time of rising uncertainty: from the intensifying geopolitical rivalry between the US and China to produce chain disruptions arising from wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Wong has been taking a much bigger function on the worldwide stage of late, together with a visit to Europe final week the place he had a working dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

With Lee anticipated to proceed being concerned in authorities, the sooner the formal handover to Wong takes place, the higher, mentioned Bilveer Singh, deputy head of the division of political science on the Nationwide College of Singapore.

“The world is changing into a really harmful and tough place for Singapore to stay in. So get on with the enterprise of presidency,” Singh mentioned. “When it comes to energy construction, nothing basic will change.”

With help from Faris Mokhtar.

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