Erstellt am: 8. 11. 2012 - 14:26 Uhr

Change in China, but only in name

Reality Check: power handover in China, US and terrorism, Monique Coleman, Requiem for Auschwitz

After many months of interest, and several weeks of intense concentration on what turned out to be not a change of power in the United States, it's time to look to the "other super power", China. While we were all running around analysing every breath and sneeze of the US presidential candidates, on the other side of the world, the Community Party elite were preparing for their once a decade handover of power.

Unlike the USA, China decides its leaders behind closed doors, with the new line-up decided before the congress starts.

Security around the congress is tight. So tight, in fact, that activists and dissidents have either been asked to leave Beijing or put under house arrest. The streets are swarming with police, both in uniform and in plain clothes and even taxis have been told not to open their windows in case people try to throw anti-party leaflets out.

It's not as though anything is at stake. President Hu Jintao is expected to be replaced by Xi Jinping, and the Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, by Li Keqiang. There is no voting - it's a done deal.

In earlier times, the Party kept close control over the media, and carefully censored the information that was released. Now, thanks to social media and micro-blogs, things tend to get out despite the official efforts, and the voice of public dissent is growing.

In theory, Mr Xi is a reformer, who will listen to the public demand for more openness and transparency, among many other demands. According to our Beijing correspondent, Jörg Winter, once settled in power, the new elite are likely to worry more about keeping their own jobs than about any serious reforms.

China expert Shaun Breslin looks at what the new leaders will have to do to stay in favour with the system.

US and terror

Terrorism expert, Bruce Hoffman, says the threat from groups such as Al Qaeda is actually getting greater as a result of the disruption caused by the Arab revolutions. He talks to Steve Crilley about the terrorism challenges facing the second Obama administration

Monique Coleman

Monique Coleman tells her remarkable story as she visits Vienna for the Global Social Business Summit.

She talks to Riem Higazi about her teenage career as a singer and actress, and how she has now found the role she finds most rewarding, as a youth advocate.

Requiem for Auschwitz

Rob Cameron reports on the new composition played by a Roma orchestra and dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.