Rightist

In June 1957, he abruptly halted the campaign and turned against those who had spoken out. He branded critics ‘rightists’, accusing them of trying to destroy the revolution and restore capitalism. This accusation did not necessarily reflect their beliefs: some had criticised the Party because they wanted socialism to work better.

In June 1957, Mao ended the opening and launched the Anti-Rightist campaign. Critics were now accused of attacking socialism and Communist leadership. Deng Xiaoping organised the response, and around 500,000 people were labelled rightists during 1957–1958.