'Government Inaction, Blame Game' Enrage Critics

Critics of the government took aim at Carrie Lam's response to the worsening violence sparked by the extradition controversy, criticising her for placing the blame on protesters.

And as they accused her of failing to take action, some of her pro-government allies have called for dialogue to help resolve the crisis.

The convenor of the pan-democratic camp, Claudia Mo, said Lam did nothing to end the dispute and instead pushed Hong Kong "towards the point of no return".

She said the embattled leader failed to reflect on her government's deficiencies and address society's demands.

"Carrie Lam has practically told the Hong Kong and international community that she has done nothing wrong," Mo said.

"It proves that she and her government are morally bankrupt."

The pro-establishment DAB said it agrees with the Chief Executive's assertions that the spike in violence has harmed the city's stability and prosperity.

But DAB lawmaker Gary Chan also said a platform should be set up to facilitate dialogue.

"We think communication is most important," he said. "Not just protesters and the government, but also Legco members have to sit down and raise their different views and let the government hear."

Lawmaker Felix Chung of another pro-government party, the Liberal Party, said Lam's criticism of protesters would not defuse tensions.

"I don't want her to just come out and say, 'I condemn this and condemn that', and then go back to the office. I really do hope that she can give us some really positive attitude, and how to settle the crisis we have right now," Chung said.

A senior lecturer at the Department of Government and Public Administration of Chinese University, Ivan Choy, said the Chief Executive did not offer any solutions to resolve the crisis in her speech.

He believes the government would continue to take a tough stance against protesters.

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