Updated Oct 16, 2019 - World

Hong Kong leader suspends key speech being jeered by lawmakers

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam (2nd L) is heckled as she leaves the chamber for a second time Wednesday. Photo: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam aborted her annual policy address after being heckled Wednesday by opposition lawmakers in the Chinese territory's legislature.

Why it matters: Lam had planned to formally withdraw the controversial extradition bill that triggered months of massive protests that have crippled the Asian financial hub. Per the BBC, the legislative suspension after Lam was twice interrupted by the opposition lawmakers means the bill could not be formally withdrawn.

The big picture: After the legislature was adjourned for the second time, the address was delivered via a pre-recorded video.

  • In the address, Lam announced measures to tackle the housing shortage, which Reuters notes is "believed to have fueled" the protests.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more details on Lam's speech and more context.

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