The kryptonite of Hong Kong leaders since 1997? Trying to balance local interests with Beijing’s

Hong Kong has had four chief executives since its return to Chinese rule in 1997, and while each has faced different challenges throughout the city’s post-colonial history, they all share one thing in common – none of them have completed a second five-year term, and all have left their posts with significantly lower approval ratings.

Political analysts pointed out that challenges plaguing all four leaders stemmed from having to perform a delicate balancing act in the absence of a strong governing coalition, no reliable support from major political parties in the legislature and the lack of an electoral mandate.