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{{Short description|Executive authorities of Hong Kong SAR}}
{{Short description|Executive authorities of Hong Kong}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox presidential government
{{Infobox presidential government
| government_name = Government of Hong Kong
| government_name = Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region<br />{{lang|zh-Hant-HK|香港特別行政區政府}}
| image = [[File:Regional Emblem of Hong Kong.svg|160px]]
| image = Regional Emblem of Hong Kong.svg
| caption = [[Emblem of Hong Kong]]
| caption = [[Emblem of Hong Kong]]
| date = {{start date and age|df=y|1997|7|1}}
| date = {{start date and age|df=y|1997|7|1}}
| jurisdiction = [[Hong Kong]]
| jurisdiction = [[Hong Kong]]
| main_organ = [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]]
⚫
| url = {{URL|https://www.gov.hk|www.gov.hk}}
| legislaturelsdjfas;odh bafoi sdu9yhgfbvhiq ph0efhugybispdNLIJFAMHUSHYIGBHUEFINJ,A0KU9GY EBVHJKN| court = [[Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong)|Court of Final Appeal]]
| seat = [[Court of Final Appeal Building]]
| leader_title = [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]]
| appointed = [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier]], [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council of China]]
| leader_type =
⚫
| url = {{URL|https://www.gov.hk|gov.hk}}
| departments = 13 ([[List of Hong Kong government agencies|full list]])
| document = [[Hong Kong Basic Law]]
| document = [[Hong Kong Basic Law]]
| court = [[Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong)|Court of Final Appeal]]
|legislature=[[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]]|headquarters=[[Central Government Complex (Hong Kong)|Central Government Complex]]|meeting_place=[[Legislative Council Complex]]|leader_type=|departments=13 {{small|([[List of Hong Kong government agencies|Full list]])}}|main_organ=[[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]]|nativename=香港特別行政區政府|seat=[[Court of Final Appeal Building]]|leader_title=[[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]]|appointed=[[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council of PR China]]}}
| legislature = [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]]
⚫
{{Chinese
| headquarters = [[Central Government Complex (Hong Kong)|Central Government Complex]]
| meeting_place = [[Legislative Council Complex]]
}}
⚫
{{Infobox Chinese
| title = Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| title = Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| t = 香港特別行政區政府
| t = 香港特別行政區政府
| s = 香港特别行政区政府
| p = Xiānggǎng Tèbié Xíngzhèngqū Zhèngfǔ
| w = {{tone superscript|Hsiang1-kang3 T'e4-pieh2 Hsing2-cheng4-ch'ü1 Cheng4-fu3}}
| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|x|iang|1|.|g|ang|3|-|t|e|4|.|b|ie|2|-|x|ing|2|.|zh|eng|4|.|qu|1|-|zh|eng|4|.|f|u|3}}
| bpmf = ㄒㄧㄤ ㄍㄤˇ ㄊㄜˋ ㄅㄧㄝˊ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄓㄥˋ ㄑㄩ ㄓㄥˋ ㄈㄨˇ
| y = Hēunggóng Dahkbiht Hàhngjingkēui Jingfú
| j = Hoeng1 gong2 Dak6 bit6 Hang4 zing3 keoi1 Zing3 fu2
| ci = {{IPAc-yue|h|oeng|1|.|g|ong|2|-|d|ak|6|-|b|it|6|-|h|ang|4|-|z|ing|3|-|k|eoi|1|-|z|ing|3|-|f|u|2}}
| altname = Abbreviation
| c2 = 香港政府
| p2 = Xiānggǎng Zhèngfǔ
| w2 = {{tone superscript|Hsiang1-kang3 Cheng4-fu3}}
| mi2 = {{IPAc-cmn|x|iang|1|.|g|ang|3|-|zh|eng|4|.|f|u|3}}
| bpmf2 = ㄒㄧㄤ ㄍㄤˇ ㄓㄥˋ ㄈㄨˇ
| y2 = Hēunggóng Jingfú
| y2 = Hēunggóng Jingfú
| ci2 = {{IPA-yue|hœ́ːŋ.kɔ̌ːŋ tsēːŋ.fǔː|}}
| ci2 = {{IPA-yue|hœ́ːŋ.kɔ̌ːŋ tsēːŋ.fǔː}}
| j2 = Hoeng1gong2 Zing3fu2
| j2 = Hoeng1 gong2 Zing3 fu2
| showflag = y
| showflag = jy
}}
}}
{{Politics of Hong Kong}}

⚫
The '''Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basic Law of Hong Kong – Chapter IV |url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclaw/chapter4.html |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=basiclaw.gov.hk}}</ref> commonly known as the '''Hong Kong Government''' or '''HKSAR Government''', is the [[Executive (government)|executive authorities]] of [[Hong Kong]]. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the [[Sino-British Joint Declaration]] of 1983, an international treaty lodged at the [[United Nations]]. This government replaced the former [[British Hong Kong|British Hong Kong Government]] (1842–1997). The [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]] and the [[Principal officials of Hong Kong|principal officials]] are appointed by the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China]]. The [[Government Secretariat (Hong Kong)|Government Secretariat]] is headed by the [[Chief Secretary for Administration|Chief Secretary of Hong Kong]], who is the most senior principal official of the Government. The Chief Secretary and the other [[Secretary of State|secretaries]] jointly oversee the administration of Hong Kong, give advice to the Chief Executive as members of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]], and are [[Accountability#Political accountability|accountable]] for their actions and policies to the Chief Executive and the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]].'''<ref>Article 68, Hong Kong Basic Law</ref>'''


⚫
Under the "[[one country, two systems]]" constitutional principle, the Government is, in law, exclusively in charge of Hong Kong's internal affairs and [[foreign relations of Hong Kong|external relations]]. The [[Government of the People's Republic of China]] (PRC), of which the Hong Kong government is financially independent from, is responsible for Hong Kong SAR's [[Military|defence]] and [[foreign policy]], while decisions made by the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress]] override any territorial judicial process. Despite gradually evolving, the overall governmental structure was inherited from [[British Hong Kong]].
⚫
The '''Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basic Law of Hong Kong - Chapter IV |url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclaw/chapter4.html |url-status=live |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=www.basiclaw.gov.hk}}</ref> commonly known as the '''Hong Kong Government''' or '''HKSAR Government''', refers to the [[Executive (government)|executive authorities]] of [[Hong Kong]] [[Special administrative regions of China|SAR]]. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the [[Sino-British Joint Declaration]] of 1983, an international treaty lodged at the [[United Nations]]. This government replaced the former [[British Hong Kong|British Hong Kong Government]] (1842–1997). The Chief Executive and the [[Principal officials of Hong Kong|principal officials]] who he or she nominates, are appointed by the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China]]. The [[Government Secretariat (Hong Kong)|Government Secretariat]] is headed by the [[Chief Secretary for Administration|Chief Secretary of Hong Kong]], who is the most senior principal official of the Government. The Chief Secretary and the other [[Secretary of State|secretaries]] jointly oversee the administration of Hong Kong, give advice to the Chief Executive as members of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]], and are [[Accountability#Political%20accountability|accountable]] for their actions and policies to the Chief Executive and the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]].'''<ref>Article 68, Hong Kong Basic Law</ref>'''


On February 28, 2024, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, [[Paul Chan Mo-po|Paul Chan]], announced the Special Administrative Region’s (SAR) government budget for the fiscal year 2024 to 2025 (“2024-25 Budget”). Under the 2024-25 budget, total government expenditure is set to rise by 6.7 percent to HK$776.9 billion (US$99.23 billion).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of the 2024-25 Hong Kong Budget |url=https://www.china-briefing.com/news/hong-kong-budget-2024-25-key-updates/}}</ref>
⚫
Under the "[[one country, two systems]]" constitutional principle, the Government is, in law, exclusively in charge of Hong Kong's internal affairs and [[foreign relations of Hong Kong|external relations]]. The [[Government of the People's Republic of China]] (PRC), of which the Hong Kong government is financially independent from, is responsible for Hong Kong's [[Military|defence]] and [[foreign policy]]. Despite gradually evolving, the overall governmental structure was inherited from [[British Hong Kong]].


==Head of government==
==Head of government==
{{Main|Chief Executive of Hong Kong}}
{{Main|Chief Executive of Hong Kong}}


The Chief Executive is the head of the Region and head of government of Hong Kong. The [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]] designates a system of governance led by a Chief Executive and an [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]], under the principles of [[separation of powers]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Creery |first=Jennifer |date=2020-09-01 |title=No separation of powers in Hong Kong says Chief Exec. Carrie Lam, despite previous comments from top judges |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/01/no-separation-of-powers-in-hong-kong-says-chief-exec-carrie-lam-despite-previous-comments-from-top-judges/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref> with a two-tiered system of semi-representative government and an independent judiciary. The Chief Executive is elected by an [[Election Committee]], a 1500-member [[electoral college]] consisting of individuals and bodies (i.e. special interest groups) elected within 40 [[Functional constituency (Hong Kong)|functional constituencies]] defined in the Basic Law. The winner is then appointed to the position by the [[Premier of the People's Republic of China]]. The Chief Executive is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies, and issuing Executive Orders. The Chief Executive, [[Carrie Lam]], began exercise of her unfettered residual powers of law-making by decree on 4 October 2019, under the [[Emergency Regulations Ordinance]], Chapter 241 of the Laws of Hong Kong, bypassing the legislature.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Financial Review|title=Violence sweeps Hong Kong after face mask ban|url=https://www.afr.com/world/asia/violence-sweeps-hong-kong-after-face-mask-ban-20191005-p52xxo|last=Smith|first=Michael|date=5 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Hong Kong e-Legislation|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap241|title=Emergency Regulations Ordinance}}</ref>
The Chief Executive is the head of the Region and [[head of government]] of Hong Kong. The [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]] designates a system of governance led by a Chief Executive and an [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]], under the principles of [[separation of powers]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Creery |first=Jennifer |date=2020-09-01 |title=No separation of powers in Hong Kong says Chief Exec. Carrie Lam, despite previous comments from top judges |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/01/no-separation-of-powers-in-hong-kong-says-chief-exec-carrie-lam-despite-previous-comments-from-top-judges/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref> with a two-tiered system of semi-representative government and an independent judiciary. The Chief Executive is elected by an [[Election Committee]], a 1500-member [[electoral college]] consisting of individuals and bodies (i.e. special interest groups) elected within 40 [[Functional constituency (Hong Kong)|functional constituencies]] defined in the Basic Law. The winner is then appointed to the position by the [[Premier of the People's Republic of China]]. The Chief Executive is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies, and issuing Executive Orders. The Chief Executive, [[Carrie Lam]], began exercise of her unfettered residual powers of law-making by decree on 4 October 2019, under the [[Emergency Regulations Ordinance]], Chapter 241 of the Laws of Hong Kong, bypassing the legislature.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Financial Review|title=Violence sweeps Hong Kong after face mask ban|url=https://www.afr.com/world/asia/violence-sweeps-hong-kong-after-face-mask-ban-20191005-p52xxo|last=Smith|first=Michael|date=5 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Hong Kong e-Legislation|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap241|title=Emergency Regulations Ordinance}}</ref>


As of 1 July 1997, the [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong]] officially replaced the [[Governor of Hong Kong]] as the head of the government for Hong Kong following the [[Transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong|transfer of sovereignty]]. The Chief Executive is assisted by the [[Chief Secretary for Administration]] and the [[Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary]], and other [[Secretary (title)|secretaries]] who heads policy bureaus. The secretaries for each government affairs are appointed by the [[Central government of China|Central Government of China]] on the nomination of the Chief Executive. The [[Secretary for Justice]] (SJ) is responsible for legal matters of the government and prosecution for criminal cases in the territory. The [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|Independent Commission Against Corruption]] and [[Audit Commission (Hong Kong)|Audit Commission]] report directly to the Chief Executive. The current Chief Executive is [[Carrie Lam]].
{{as of|1 July 1997|post=,}} the [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong]] officially replaced the [[Governor of Hong Kong]] as the head of the government for Hong Kong following the [[Handover of Hong Kong|handover]]. The Chief Executive is assisted by the [[Chief Secretary for Administration]] and the [[Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary]], and other secretaries who heads policy bureaus. The secretaries for each government affairs are appointed by the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council of China]] on the nomination of the Chief Executive. The [[Secretary for Justice (Hong Kong)|Secretary for Justice]] (SJ) is responsible for legal matters of the government and prosecution for criminal cases in the territory. The [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|Independent Commission Against Corruption]] and [[Audit Commission (Hong Kong)|Audit Commission]] report directly to the Chief Executive. The current Chief Executive is [[John Lee (government official)|John Lee]].


==Executive==
==Executive==
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{{Main|Executive Council of Hong Kong}}
{{Main|Executive Council of Hong Kong}}


The [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]] decides on matters of policy, the introduction of bills to the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]] and the drafting of subordinate legislation. The Council consists of 16 principal officials and 16 non-official members. All members are appointed by the Chief Executive from among the senior officials of the executive authorities, members of the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]], and other influential public personnels. They serve for a period no longer than the expiry of the Chief Executive's term of office.<ref name="GovStruct">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/govstructure.htm |title=GovHK: Government Structure |access-date=25 October 2009 }}</ref>
The [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]] decides on matters of policy, the introduction of bills to the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]] and the drafting of subordinate legislation. The Council consists of 21 principal officials and 16 non-official members. All members are appointed by the Chief Executive from among the senior officials of the executive authorities, members of the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]], and other influential public personnels. They serve for a period no longer than the expiry of the Chief Executive's term of office.<ref name="GovStruct">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/govstructure.htm |title=GovHK: Government Structure |access-date=25 October 2009 }}</ref>


===Principal officials===
===Principal officials===
In a system popularly called the [[Principal Officials Accountability System]] introduced by then Chief Executive [[Tung Chee Hwa]] in July 2002, all principal officials, including the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice, heads of government bureaux and the Director of the [[Office of the Chief Executive|Chief Executive's Office]] would no longer be politically neutral career civil servants, but would all be political appointees chosen by the Chief Executive from within or outside the [[Hong Kong Civil Service|civil service]]. The system was portrayed as the key to solve previous administrative problems, notably the co-operation of high-ranking civil servants with the Chief Executive.
In a system popularly called the [[Principal Officials Accountability System]] introduced by then Chief Executive [[Tung Chee Hwa]] in July 2002, all principal officials, including the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice, heads of government bureaux and the Director of the [[Office of the Chief Executive|Chief Executive's Office]] would no longer be politically neutral career civil servants, but would all be political appointees chosen by the Chief Executive from within or outside the [[Hong Kong Civil Service|civil service]]. The system was portrayed as the key to solve previous administrative problems, notably the co-operation of high-ranking civil servants with the Chief Executive.


Under the new system, there are 3 Secretaries of Department and 13 Directors of Bureaux. The system is aimed at raising the accountability of the civil service, so the political appointees are responsible for all their job aspects and will step down if they make any failure. All heads of bureaux became members of the Executive Council, and came directly under the Chief Executive instead of the Chief Secretary or the Financial Secretary.
Under the new system, there are 3 Secretaries of department and 13 Directors of Bureaux. The system is aimed at raising the accountability of the civil service, so the political appointees are responsible for all their job aspects and will step down if they make any failure. All heads of bureaux became members of the Executive Council, and came directly under the Chief Executive instead of the Chief Secretary or the Financial Secretary.


===Deputy ministers and political assistants===
===Deputy ministers and political assistants===
{{Main|Political Appointments System}}
{{Main|Political Appointments System}}
The government released a report on the Further Development of the Political Appointment System<ref>[https://www.cmab.gov.hk/doc/issues/report_en.pdf Report on Further Development of the Political Appointment System]</ref> on 17 October 2007.<ref>[https://www.info.gov.hk/archive/consult/2006/pa_consultation_e.pdf "Consultation Document on the Further Development of the Political Appointment System"], Hong Kong Government, July 2006</ref> Two new layers, Deputy Directors of Bureaux and Assistants to Directors (AD) would be added to the political appointments. Each Director of Bureau will be assisted by the two new appointees and constitute the political team, who would ostensibly work closely with bureau secretaries and top civil servants in implementing the [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]]'s policy agenda in an executive-led government. As with the principal officials, these two new posts may be drawn from within or outside the civil service, and appointees may or may not have a political background.<ref name=attracting>Michael Ng, [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=23739&sid=9029369&con_type=1&d_str=20060727&sear_year=2006 "Attracting new political talent `from all sectors'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522070832/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=23739&sid=9029369&con_type=1&d_str=20060727&sear_year=2006 |date=22 May 2011 }}, The Standard, 27 July 2006</ref>
The government released a report on the Further Development of the Political Appointment System<ref>[https://www.cmab.gov.hk/doc/issues/report_en.pdf Report on Further Development of the Political Appointment System]</ref> on 17 October 2007.<ref>[https://www.info.gov.hk/archive/consult/2006/pa_consultation_e.pdf "Consultation Document on the Further Development of the Political Appointment System"], Hong Kong Government, July 2006</ref> Two new layers, deputy directors of Bureaux and Assistants to Directors (AD) would be added to the political appointments. Each Director of Bureau will be assisted by the two new appointees and constitute the political team, who would ostensibly work closely with bureau secretaries and top civil servants in implementing the [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]]'s policy agenda in an executive-led government. As with the principal officials, these two new posts may be drawn from within or outside the civil service, and appointees may or may not have a political background.<ref name=attracting>Michael Ng, [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=23739&sid=9029369&con_type=1&d_str=20060727&sear_year=2006 "Attracting new political talent 'from all sectors'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522070832/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=23739&sid=9029369&con_type=1&d_str=20060727&sear_year=2006 |date=22 May 2011 }}, The Standard, 27 July 2006</ref>


Eight new Under-secretaries were named on 20 May, and nine Political Assistant appointments were announced on 22 May 2008. By the administration's own admission, the announcements were poorly handled, and there was widespread criticism of several key aspects, namely the nationality and experience of appointees, the transparency of the recruitment process and the level of officials' salaries.<ref>Ambrose Leung, "[https://www.scmp.com/article/641873/tsangs-assistant-may-face-legco-censure Tsang's assistant may face Legco censure]", Pg A3, ''[[South China Morning Post]]'', 17 June 2008</ref>
Eight new Under-secretaries were named on 20 May, and nine Political Assistant appointments were announced on 22 May 2008. By the administration's own admission, the announcements were poorly handled, and there was widespread criticism of several key aspects, namely the nationality and experience of appointees, the transparency of the recruitment process and the level of officials' salaries.<ref>Ambrose Leung, "[https://www.scmp.com/article/641873/tsangs-assistant-may-face-legco-censure Tsang's assistant may face Legco censure]", Pg A3, ''[[South China Morning Post]]'', 17 June 2008</ref>
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{{Main|Chief Secretary for Administration}}
{{Main|Chief Secretary for Administration}}


The Chief Secretary for Administration is responsible for assisting the Chief Executive in the supervision of policy bureaux and plays a key role in ensuring harmony in policy formulation and implementation. The office of CS is currently vacant.
The Chief Secretary for Administration is responsible for assisting the Chief Executive in the supervision of policy bureaux and plays a key role in ensuring harmony in policy formulation and implementation. The current Secretary is [[Eric Chan|Chan Kwok-ki]].


==Financial Secretary==
==Financial Secretary==
{{Main|Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary}}
{{Main|Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary}}


The Financial Secretary is responsible for preparing the Government Budget in accordance with the Chief Executive's agenda in the policy address, ensuring fiscal policies are in accordance to the Public Finance Ordinance. He or she has to estimate of revenue and expenditure before the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]] each year, and to deliver an annual budget to the Legislative Council, outlining the government's budgetary proposals and moving the appropriation bills. The current FS is [[Paul Chan Mo-po]].
The Financial Secretary is responsible for preparing the Government Budget in accordance with the Chief Executive's agenda in the policy address, ensuring fiscal policies are in accordance to the Public Finance Ordinance. The secretary has to estimate of revenue and expenditure before the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]] each year, and to deliver an annual budget to the Legislative Council, outlining the government's budgetary proposals and moving the appropriation bills. The current FS is [[Paul Chan Mo-po]].


== Secretary for Justice ==
== Secretary for Justice ==
{{Main|Secretary for Justice (Hong Kong)}}
{{Main|Secretary for Justice (Hong Kong)}}


The Secretary for Justice is responsible for prosecutions and legal matters. He or she heads the [[Department of Justice (Hong Kong)|Department of Justice]]. The current Secretary for Justice is [[Teresa Cheng (politician)|Teresa Cheng]].
The Secretary for Justice is responsible for prosecutions and legal matters and heads the [[Department of Justice (Hong Kong)|Department of Justice]]. The current Secretary for Justice is [[Paul Lam]].


==Policy bureaux (ministries) and government departments==
==Policy bureaux (ministries) and government departments==
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{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ style=width:30em |Government secretariat and departments, 2022-
|+ style=width:30em |Government secretariat and departments, 2022–present
!style=width:12em |
!style=width:12em |
!style=width:26em |Government secretariat
!style=width:26em |Government secretariat
Line 200: Line 226:
The [[Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office]], [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|Independent Commission Against Corruption]], [[Audit Commission (Hong Kong)|Audit Commission]], [[Office of the Ombudsman (Hong Kong)|Office of the Ombudsman]] and [[Public Service Commission (Hong Kong)|Public Service Commission]] report to the [[Chief Executive]] directly.
The [[Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office]], [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|Independent Commission Against Corruption]], [[Audit Commission (Hong Kong)|Audit Commission]], [[Office of the Ombudsman (Hong Kong)|Office of the Ombudsman]] and [[Public Service Commission (Hong Kong)|Public Service Commission]] report to the [[Chief Executive]] directly.


===Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office===
===Chief Secretary for Administration's Office===
The Human Resources Planning and Poverty Co-ordination Office, [[Administration Wing]] and [[Legal Aid Department]] are under the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office.
The Human Resources Planning and Poverty Co-ordination Office, [[Administration Wing]] and [[Legal Aid Department]] are under the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office.


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===Policy Bureaux===
===Policy Bureaux===
After [[Reorganisation of the Government Secretariat|reorganisation]] in 2007, the [[Government Secretariat (Hong Kong)|Government Secretariat]] today consists of thirteen policy bureaux. Nine of which reports to the [[Chief Secretary (Hong Kong)|Chief Secretary for Administration]], and the other four reports to the [[Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary]]. The Chief Secretary for Administration is customarily considered to be the leader of the bureaux.
The current fifteen policy bureaux is a result of the [[Government Secretariat (Hong Kong)|2022 government reorganisation]], which added, expanded, and re-titled several bureaux. Currently, nine bureaux reports to the [[Chief Secretary (Hong Kong)|Chief Secretary for Administration]], and the other six reports to the [[Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary]]. The Chief Secretary for Administration is customarily considered to be the leader of the bureaux.


*[[Civil Service Bureau]]
*[[Civil Service Bureau]]
*[[Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau]]
*[[Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau]]
*[[Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau]] (newly established)
*[[Education Bureau]]
*[[Education Bureau]]
*[[Environment and Ecology Bureau]] (re-titled from the [[Environment Bureau]] and takes over the [[Food and Health Bureau]] except health)
*[[Food and Health Bureau]]
*[[Health Bureau (Hong Kong)|Health Bureau]] (takes over health policies from the defunct Food and Health Bureau)
*[[Home Affairs Bureau]]
*[[Home and Youth Affairs Bureau]] (reorganised from the [[Home Affairs Bureau]])
*[[Labour and Welfare Bureau]]
*[[Labour and Welfare Bureau]]
*[[Security Bureau (Hong Kong)|Security Bureau]]
*[[Security Bureau (Hong Kong)|Security Bureau]]
*[[Transport and Housing Bureau]]
*[[Environment Bureau]]
*[[Commerce and Economic Development Bureau]]
*[[Commerce and Economic Development Bureau]]
*[[Development Bureau]]
*[[Development Bureau]]
*[[Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau]]
*[[Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau]]
*[[Innovation and Technology Bureau]]
*[[Housing Bureau]] (split from the defunct [[Transport and Housing Bureau]])
*[[Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau]] (re-titled from the [[Innovation and Technology Bureau]])
*[[Transport and Logistics Bureau]] (split from the defunct Transport and Housing Bureau)


=== Departments and agencies ===
=== Departments and agencies ===
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== See also ==
== See also ==
⚫
* [[Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party]]
⚫
* [[Hong Kong Liaison Office]]
* [[Chinese Communist Party]]
* [[Chinese Communist Party]]
⚫
** [[Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party]]
** [[Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs]]
** [[Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office]]
⚫
** [[United Front Work Department]]
* [[Government of China]]
⚫
** [[Hong Kong Liaison Office]]
** [[Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese]]
* [[Government of Macau]]
* [[Hong Kong Civil Service]]
* [[Hong Kong Civil Service]]
* [[Legislative Council (Hong Kong)|Legislative Council]]
* [[Legislative Council (Hong Kong)|Legislative Council]]
Line 243: Line 277:
* [[Central Government Complex]]
* [[Central Government Complex]]
* [[Principal Officials Accountability System]]
* [[Principal Officials Accountability System]]
⚫
* [[United Front Work Department]]


== References ==
== References ==
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{{Hong Kong topics}}
{{Hong Kong topics}}
{{Asia topic |Government of |title = Governments of Asia|TW=Government of the Republic of China}}
{{Asia topic |Government of |title = Governments of Asia|TW=Government of the Republic of China}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Government Of Hong Kong}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Government Of Hong Kong}}

Revision as of 05:32, 24 July 2024

Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
香港特別行政區政府
Emblem of Hong Kong
Formation1 July 1997; 27 years ago (1997-07-01)
Founding documentHong Kong Basic Law
JurisdictionHongkong
Websitegov.hk
Legislative branch
LegislatureLegislative Council
Meeting placeLegislative Council Complex
Executive branch
LeaderChief Executive
AppointerPremier, State Council of China
HauptsitzCentral Government Complex
Main organExecutive Council
Departments13 (full list)
Judicial branch
CourtCourt of Final Appeal
SeatCourt of Final Appeal Building
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Traditional Chinese香港特別行政區政府
Simplified Chinese香港特别行政区政府
JyutpingHoeng1 gong2 Dak6 bit6 Hang4 zing3 keoi1 Zing3 fu2
Cantonese YaleHēunggóng Dahkbiht Hàhngjingkēui Jingfú
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinXiānggǎng Tèbié Xíngzhèngqū Zhèngfǔ
Bopomofoㄒㄧㄤ ㄍㄤˇ ㄊㄜˋ ㄅㄧㄝˊ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄓㄥˋ ㄑㄩ ㄓㄥˋ ㄈㄨˇ
Wade–GilesHsiang1-kang3 T'e4-pieh2 Hsing2-cheng4-ch'ü1 Cheng4-fu3
IPA[ɕjáŋ.kàŋ tʰɤ̂.pjě ɕǐŋ.ʈʂə̂ŋ.tɕʰý ʈʂə̂ŋ.fù]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationHēunggóng Dahkbiht Hàhngjingkēui Jingfú
JyutpingHoeng1 gong2 Dak6 bit6 Hang4 zing3 keoi1 Zing3 fu2
IPA[hœŋ˥.kɔŋ˧˥ tɐk̚˨ pit̚˨ hɐŋ˩ tsɪŋ˧ kʰɵɥ˥ tsɪŋ˧ fu˧˥]
Abbreviation
Chinese香港政府
JyutpingHoeng1 gong2 Zing3 fu2
Cantonese YaleHēunggóng Jingfú
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinXiānggǎng Zhèngfǔ
Bopomofoㄒㄧㄤ ㄍㄤˇ ㄓㄥˋ ㄈㄨˇ
Wade–GilesHsiang1-kang3 Cheng4-fu3
IPA[ɕjáŋ.kàŋ ʈʂə̂ŋ.fù]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationHēunggóng Jingfú
JyutpingHoeng1 gong2 Zing3 fu2
IPACantonese pronunciation: [hœ́ːŋ.kɔ̌ːŋ tsēːŋ.fǔː]
Politics and government
of Hong Kong
Laws
Executive
  • University Grants Committee Secretariat
  • Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency
Legislature
  • Political camps:
Judiciary
Court of Final Appeal

High Court

District Court

  • Chief District Judge: Justin Ko

Magistrates' Court

  • Chief Magistrate: So Wai-tak

Special courts and tribunals:

Districts
District Officers
Elections
Electoral Affairs Commission

Chief Executive Elections

Legislative elections

District council elections
Foreign relations
Documents

Consular missions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong–China relations

Hong Kong–Taiwan relations

Related topics
flag Hong Kong portal

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,[1] commonly known as the Hong Kong Government or HKSAR Government, is the executive authorities of Hong Kong. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1983, an international treaty lodged at the United Nations. This government replaced the former British Hong Kong Government (1842–1997). The Chief Executive and the principal officials are appointed by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The Government Secretariat is headed by the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong, who is the most senior principal official of the Government. The Chief Secretary and the other secretaries jointly oversee the administration of Hong Kong, give advice to the Chief Executive as members of the Executive Council, and are accountable for their actions and policies to the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council.[2]

Under the "one country, two systems" constitutional principle, the Government is, in law, exclusively in charge of Hong Kong's internal affairs and external relations. The Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), of which the Hong Kong government is financially independent from, is responsible for Hong Kong SAR's defence and foreign policy, while decisions made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress override any territorial judicial process. Despite gradually evolving, the overall governmental structure was inherited from British Hong Kong.

On February 28, 2024, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, Paul Chan, announced the Special Administrative Region’s (SAR) government budget for the fiscal year 2024 to 2025 (“2024-25 Budget”). Under the 2024-25 budget, total government expenditure is set to rise by 6.7 percent to HK$776.9 billion (US$99.23 billion).[3]

Head of government

Main article: Chief Executive of Hong Kong

The Chief Executive is the head of the Region and head of government of Hong Kong. The Basic Law designates a system of governance led by a Chief Executive and an Executive Council, under the principles of separation of powers,[4] with a two-tiered system of semi-representative government and an independent judiciary. The Chief Executive is elected by an Election Committee, a 1500-member electoral college consisting of individuals and bodies (i.e. special interest groups) elected within 40 functional constituencies defined in the Basic Law. The winner is then appointed to the position by the Premier of the People's Republic of China. The Chief Executive is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies, and issuing Executive Orders. The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, began exercise of her unfettered residual powers of law-making by decree on 4 October 2019, under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, Chapter 241 of the Laws of Hong Kong, bypassing the legislature.[5][6]

As of 1 July 1997, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong officially replaced the Governor of Hong Kong as the head of the government for Hong Kong following the handover. The Chief Executive is assisted by the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Financial Secretary, and other secretaries who heads policy bureaus. The secretaries for each government affairs are appointed by the State Council of China on the nomination of the Chief Executive. The Secretary for Justice (SJ) is responsible for legal matters of the government and prosecution for criminal cases in the territory. The Independent Commission Against Corruption and Audit Commission report directly to the Chief Executive. The current Chief Executive is John Lee.

Executive

Executive Council

Main article: Executive Council of Hong Kong

The Executive Council decides on matters of policy, the introduction of bills to the Legislative Council and the drafting of subordinate legislation. The Council consists of 21 principal officials and 16 non-official members. All members are appointed by the Chief Executive from among the senior officials of the executive authorities, members of the Legislative Council, and other influential public personnels. They serve for a period no longer than the expiry of the Chief Executive's term of office.[7]

Principal officials

In a system popularly called the Principal Officials Accountability System introduced by then Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa in July 2002, all principal officials, including the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Secretary for Justice, heads of government bureaux and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office would no longer be politically neutral career civil servants, but would all be political appointees chosen by the Chief Executive from within or outside the civil service. The system was portrayed as the key to solve previous administrative problems, notably the co-operation of high-ranking civil servants with the Chief Executive.

Under the new system, there are 3 Secretaries of department and 13 Directors of Bureaux. The system is aimed at raising the accountability of the civil service, so the political appointees are responsible for all their job aspects and will step down if they make any failure. All heads of bureaux became members of the Executive Council, and came directly under the Chief Executive instead of the Chief Secretary or the Financial Secretary.

Deputy ministers and political assistants

Main article: Political Appointments System

The government released a report on the Further Development of the Political Appointment System[8] on 17 October 2007.[9] Two new layers, deputy directors of Bureaux and Assistants to Directors (AD) would be added to the political appointments. Each Director of Bureau will be assisted by the two new appointees and constitute the political team, who would ostensibly work closely with bureau secretaries and top civil servants in implementing the Chief Executive's policy agenda in an executive-led government. As with the principal officials, these two new posts may be drawn from within or outside the civil service, and appointees may or may not have a political background.[10]

Eight new Under-secretaries were named on 20 May, and nine Political Assistant appointments were announced on 22 May 2008. By the administration's own admission, the announcements were poorly handled, and there was widespread criticism of several key aspects, namely the nationality and experience of appointees, the transparency of the recruitment process and the level of officials' salaries.[11]

Chief Secretary for Administration

Main article: Chief Secretary for Administration

The Chief Secretary for Administration is responsible for assisting the Chief Executive in the supervision of policy bureaux and plays a key role in ensuring harmony in policy formulation and implementation. The current Secretary is Chan Kwok-ki.

Financial Secretary

Main articles: Financial Secretary (Hong Kong) and Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary is responsible for preparing the Government Budget in accordance with the Chief Executive's agenda in the policy address, ensuring fiscal policies are in accordance to the Public Finance Ordinance. The secretary has to estimate of revenue and expenditure before the Legislative Council each year, and to deliver an annual budget to the Legislative Council, outlining the government's budgetary proposals and moving the appropriation bills. The current FS is Paul Chan Mo-po.

Secretary for Justice

Main article: Secretary for Justice (Hong Kong)

The Secretary for Justice is responsible for prosecutions and legal matters and heads the Department of Justice. The current Secretary for Justice is Paul Lam.

Policy bureaux (ministries) and government departments

Main article: Government Secretariat (Hong Kong)

The hierarchical structure of the government secretariat and government departments in Chief Executive John Lee's administration since 1 July 2022 is as follows:

Government secretariat and departments, 2022–present
Government secretariat Government departments
Under the Chief Secretary
for Administration 		Chief Secretary for Administration's Office
Civil Service Bureau
Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau
Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau
Education Bureau
  • Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency
Environment and Ecology Bureau
  • Environment Branch
  • Food Branch
Health Bureau
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
Labour and Welfare Bureau
Security Bureau
Under the Financial
Secretary 		Financial Secretary's Office
Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
Development Bureau
  • Planning and Lands Branch
  • Works Branch
Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau
  • Financial Services Branch
  • The Treasury Branch
Housing Bureau
Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau
Transport and Logistics Bureau

Office of the Chief Executive

The Office of the Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring the Chief Executive receives the best advice and support for formulating and co-ordinating policies. It is headed by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, who would sit in meetings of the Executive Council.

The Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Audit Commission, Office of the Ombudsman and Public Service Commission report to the Chief Executive directly.

Chief Secretary for Administration's Office

The Human Resources Planning and Poverty Co-ordination Office, Administration Wing and Legal Aid Department are under the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office.

Financial Secretary's Office

The Office of the Government Economist and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are under the Financial Secretary's Office.

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice is led by the Secretary for Justice (Hong Kong) (Legal Department and Attorney General before the transfer of sovereignty). The Secretary for Justice (SJ) is responsible for all prosecutions in Hong Kong, drafting all government legislation, and advising other policy bureaux and departments of the government on a vast array of legal issues.

The department consists of the Prosecutions Division, the Civil Division, the Legal Policy Division, the Law Drafting Division, the International Law Division and the Administration and Development Division.

Policy Bureaux

The current fifteen policy bureaux is a result of the 2022 government reorganisation, which added, expanded, and re-titled several bureaux. Currently, nine bureaux reports to the Chief Secretary for Administration, and the other six reports to the Financial Secretary. The Chief Secretary for Administration is customarily considered to be the leader of the bureaux.

Departments and agencies

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Hong Kong government agencies.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Basic Law of Hong Kong – Chapter IV". basiclaw.gov.hk. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  2. ^ Article 68, Hong Kong Basic Law
  3. ^ "Overview of the 2024-25 Hong Kong Budget".
  4. ^ Creery, Jennifer (1 September 2020). "No separation of powers in Hong Kong says Chief Exec. Carrie Lam, despite previous comments from top judges". Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  5. ^ Smith, Michael (5 October 2019). "Violence sweeps Hong Kong after face mask ban". Financial Review. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  6. ^ "Emergency Regulations Ordinance". Hong Kong e-Legislation.
  7. ^ "GovHK: Government Structure". Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  8. ^ Report on Further Development of the Political Appointment System
  9. ^ "Consultation Document on the Further Development of the Political Appointment System", Hong Kong Government, July 2006
  10. ^ Michael Ng, "Attracting new political talent 'from all sectors'" Archived 22 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine, The Standard, 27 July 2006
  11. ^ Ambrose Leung, "Tsang's assistant may face Legco censure", Pg A3, South China Morning Post, 17 June 2008
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