Throughout his premiership, Wen Jiabao has tried to cultivate an image as a man of the people. “Grandpa Wen” was always the first on the scene when disaster struck, presenting the gentler, more understanding face of the Communist party. It was he who spoke out most eloquently of the need for a fairer, more balanced economy and of the virtues of democratic reform. Thus was born the reputation of the “People’s President”.