The speculation grew in late July when renowned economist Larry Lang Xianping wrote an article accusing Mr Lu of being incompetent, and criticising administrative corruption by local governments.

• 此类传言于七月底再次升温,著名经济学家朗咸平也公开撰文谴责陆昊的渎职不作为,批评矛头直指北京市政府的行政腐败。