New Hong Kong leader takes office amid discontent

This handout photo taken and received on June 29, 2012 from Hong Kong's Information Services Department shows Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) being greeted by Hong Kong's Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying (L) upon his arrival at Hong Kong's international airport on June 29, 2012. AFP PHOTO / Hong Kong Information Services Department

HONG KONG – Leung Chun-ying has been sworn in as Hong Kong’s third leader amid growing discontent with China’s rule over the Asian financial center.

Leung was inaugurated as chief executive Sunday morning in a ceremony overseen by Chinese President Hu Jintao 15 years after more than a century of British rule in the territory ended.

The 57-year-old self-made millionaire replaces career bureaucrat Donald Tsang, who took office in 2005 and is barred from another term.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets later in the day to protest a yawning income gap, skyrocketing property prices and general unease over mainland China’s influence.

Leung was chosen by an elite committee of 1,200. His initial popularity has been dented by a scandal about illegal additions on his mansion.