Clipping the wings of power

Detailed rules stipulating how much Party and government officials can spend on accommodation and transport during business trips were published on Monday as part of the central leadership's efforts to build the cage to lock up power, that is, to make it difficult for those in power to abuse it for personal gains.

The rules say bureau-level officials can only fly economy class and stay in standard hotel rooms during business trips. All officials on business trips should have meals out of their own pocket. They also have to pay the extra amount if they spend more than their allowance and reimburse the cost of the transport and dinner provided by the host working unit. Besides, they are required to pay the bills for accommodation and transport through special public business cards so that they can be checked by financial watchdogs.

Such rules are necessary and will make it very difficult for officials to squander public money. The absence of strict rules prompted some officials until recently to visit scenic spots using public money while attending a meeting or seminar. They also used to waste public money on lavish banquets and gifts to entertain guests.