Official Reappointed After Two Scandals

Meng Xuenong, a high-profile official that was involved in two major administrative scandals, has been reappointed secretary of the Work Committee of Departments under the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, according to a Xinhua report on the committee session January 24.

In 2003, Meng left his office as mayor of Beijing, for the botched municipal response to the spread of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic in Beijing. Later in the same year, he was reappointed to deputy director of South-to-North Water Diversion Office, reporting to the State Council. Meng was then reassigned to Shanxi Province as the governor in 2008. In September of 2008, a mudslide in Xiangfen, Shanxi claimed nearly 300 lives. Meng resigned amid criticism that workplace safety had been neglected by provincial authorities.

Meng began his political career working as secretary of the Youth League committee at a Beijing auto manufacturer and in 1998, he was promoted to vice mayor of Beijing Municipality. He currently serves as member of the 17th CPC Central Committee.