Eight-point austerity rules

The eight-point rules, issued by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in December 2012, aim to reduce bureaucracy, extravagance and undesirable work practices of Party members. With clauses focusing on various forms of corruption and unauthorized use of government cars, the rules have played a significant role in the country’s anti-corruption campaign.

1. Leaders must carry out in-depth inspections at the grassroots level so that they remain in contact with the people and understand the issues affecting society. They must cut extravagance and do away with welcome banners, red carpets, floral arrangements and grand receptions for official visits.

2. Meetings and major events should be strictly regulated and simplified. Political Bureau members are not allowed to attend opening ceremonies, celebrations or seminars, unless they get approval from the CPC Central Committee. Official meetings should be economical and efficient, with no inconsequential or prolonged talk. 3. The number of official documents should be reduced to only those nessecery.

4. Officials’ visits abroad should be arranged only when necessary for foreign affairs, with smaller accompanying delegations. On most occasions, there is no need for a reception by Chinese expatriates, institutions or students at the airport.

5. There should be fewer traffic controls when leaders travel by car to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the public.

6. The media should consider the need, news value, and social impact of reporting on members of the Political Bureau, their work and their activities — the amount of time spent on such news items should be reduced and reports should be minimized in scope.

7. Leaders should not publish anything by themselves or issue any congratulatory letters in their own name unless an arrangement with the central authorities has been made.

8. Leaders must practice diligence and thrift, and strictly follow the relevant regulations on accommodation and cars.