Guangming Daily:

Thanks. Mr. Shu mentioned socialist consultative democracy just now. I would like to ask why we should adhere to this, and what are its unique advantages? Thank you.

Xu Lin:

Let's invite Mr. Shu to reply.

Shu Qiming:

Consultative democracy is an important system design through which the Party to lead the people in effectively governing the country and ensure that the people are masters of the country. It complements electoral democracy, and enriches its forms, expanding channels and deepening the connotations of democracy. Socialist consultative democracy is a unique form of democracy in China's socialist democratic politics. "Unique" means being different, belonging to one instead of others, and not to be achieved by others. Strengthening consultative democracy will ensure more people become involved in politics in an orderly manner, better realizing people's right to be masters of the country, and facilitate scientific and democratic policy-making. It will help in achieving the modernization of the national governance system and its overall capacity, and help resolve conflicts, promote social harmony and stability, help maintain the Party's close relationship with the people and consolidate and expand the Party's ruling foundation, putting to good use the advantages of China's political system, and increasing public confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Long-term practice has proved that this kind of democracy works well in China. Thank you.

China Arab TV:

Law enforcement has been stressed, but it may still be a weak point. There are prominent problems like non-compliance with the laws, lax law enforcement, and failure to prosecute violations of the law. What are the major measures the fourth plenary session has taken to improve law enforcement and supervision? Thanks.

Yuan Shuhong:

You have raised a very good question on how to supervise law enforcement. The vitality of laws lies in strict enforcement and full compliance; otherwise, there will be a "broken window effect", that is, if one person breaks a window, others will follow suit if the original violator is not held accountable. This applies to all law enforcement and observance. If a person or a group of people who break the law are seen as not being severely punished, others will follow their example. Therefore, since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has greatly valued supervision of law enforcement, and put forward more important measures during this plenary session.

First, we will resolutely exclude any interference in law enforcement and judicial cases. People detest interference in either verbal or written forms, and we must resolutely rule out all kinds of illegal intervention, hidden rules, illicit leniency towards criminals due to a close relationship or bribery. 

Second, we will expand the scope of public interest litigation cases. We will strengthen the public interest litigation principle in environmental conservation, resource protection, food and drug safety, protection of State-owned property and protection of the rights and interests of national heroes and martyrs, and ensure effective enforcement of laws for safeguarding public interests.

Third, we will be more severe in punishing serious violations of the laws, implement a punitive compensation system, and strengthen criminal liability investigation. In particular, for those who break the laws with subjective malice and cause serious consequences, it would not be enough to maintain the authority of the law and ensure law enforcement if there are no severe punishments or sanctions.

Fourth, we will intensify efforts to popularize public legal knowledge, increase awareness of the rule of law, improve the public legal service system comprising lawyers, notaries, legal aid personnel, judicial experts, arbitrators and mediators, to improve public access to legal services and consolidate the public foundations of the rule of law.

Fifth, the Party and State organizations as well as government officials at all levels should take the lead to respect, study, abide by and apply the laws, learn to deepen reform, promote development, resolve contradictions, maintain stability and handle risks through thinking patterns of and approaches to the rule of law, leading the whole society to strictly enforce and abide by the laws, and build the country, government and society based on the rule of law. Thank you.