Sunday , November 24 2024

Singapore gets new PM after 20 years, Lawrence Wong takes oath

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Singapore got a new Prime Minister after 20 years. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam swore in economist Lawrence Wong as the country's fourth Prime Minister. Lawrence Wong is 51 and will succeed Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who was Singapore's prime minister for 20 years. Lawrence Wong is also the leader of the ruling People's Action Party. Who has been leading Singapore for more than 5 decades. On Wednesday, Wong was sworn in as prime minister during a televised ceremony at the National Palace. Wong is the first Prime Minister of Singapore born after the country's independence.

Lawrence Wong promised the people the welfare of the country

According to reports, Lawrence Wong will retain his current position as Prime Minister and Finance Minister. During his swearing-in, Lawrence Wong said that he would have a deep sense of humility and duty towards Singapore and its 59 million people. He will continuously strive for the welfare of the country and the people.

Lee's successor was to be chosen in 2022

Talking about Lawrence Wong's political career, he came into limelight in 2020 when he served as the co-chairman of the pandemic task force. Given his skilled political leadership abilities and popularity among fellow leaders, he was appointed Lee's successor in April 2022. He was then promoted to Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. Along with this, he also got the post of Finance Minister. In this position he became widely known for his efforts to create a “social compact” between the government and the people to deal with issues such as sustainability, inequality and employment.

Leader of Opposition said what are the challenges?

Meanwhile, after Wong took oath on Wednesday, Opposition leader Pritam Singh said that Wong has taken over at a challenging time with an uncertain and more unpredictable external environment and significant generational change on the domestic front.