Thousands march in Hong Kong over budget

A police officer falls down with a barricade as they scuffle with protesters at a demonstration against the government's revised Budget proposals at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong Sunday, March 6, 2011. -- PHOTO: AP

HONG KONG - THERE were minor scuffles between police and protesters as over 10,000 people demonstrated in Hong Kong on Sunday over the government's budget plan, with some calling it a 'Bauhinia revolution'.

At least one protester and one policeman were slightly injured in small confrontations between the two sides, an AFP photographer said.

The demonstration comes days after a U-turn by Financial Secretary John Tsang on the budget, with protesters demanding more public expenditure on retirement protection schemes, public housing and environmental protection.

Chanting slogans and waving placards, political parties and citizens marched to government headquarters, accusing the administration of failing to address problems including runaway property prices and a widening wealth gap. 'Shame on you, John Tsang!", 'Step down now!", 'Say no to a budget without a vision!' they chanted repeatedly, pumping fists into the air, as a heavy police presence looked on.

'This is a Bauhinia revolution,' James To, a Democratic Party lawmaker, told AFP, referring to the floral emblem of the southern Chinese city.

The protest was inspired by anti-government rallies in other parts of the world, organisers said, estimating about 10,000 people had turned out. -- AFP