(Newser)
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Former Chinese political star Bo Xilai has been expelled from the country's Communist Party, Voice of America reports, following his wife's suspended death sentence in the murder of a British businessman. Once the party leader in the city of Chongqing and a likely candidate for high national office, Bo now stands accused of corruption, abusing power, taking bribes, and "improper relations with women," the BBC reports. "Bo Xilai's actions created grave repercussions, and massively damaged the reputation of the party and the state," said Xinhua, the state news agency, which adds that he will "face justice."
The party also announced that the National Congress will convene Nov. 8, a meeting that will put into a place a new generation of leaders. The Wall Street Journal's take on the twin announcements: "By unveiling the accusations against Mr. Bo at the same time as it announced the beginning of the leadership change, party officials appear to be trying to send a signal to the country regarding corruption, the abuse of power and the decadent lifestyles of many within the party elite," writes Jeremy Page. It seems that the party finally recognizes the public's wrath.
