The Social Democrats, with a 19-year history, held a press conference today (29th) and announced their dissolution, citing “facing strong political pressures.” After considering various factors, especially the impact on members and colleagues, they made the solemn decision to dissolve.
Chairperson Chen Baoying, Vice Chairpersons Zhou Jiafa and Yu Weibin, as well as party members Zeng Jiancheng, Samson and Chan Ho-wan, attended the press conference. The dissolution statement, titled “Better to vanish than to create voids,” explained that May 1st next year, Labour Day, would have been the 20th anniversary of the Social Democrats, but unfortunately, the party could not survive until that day.
The statement recounted the Social Democrats’ self-identification as a “clear opposition force” since its establishment, advocating for “power to the people,” “assisting the weak without hesitation,” and “no change without resistance.” Through non-violent means such as organizing petitions, marches, and referendums, they fought for a dual universal suffrage system ensuring political equality, aiming to return the power of distributing political and social resources to ordinary citizens. The party also pushed for various social security policies, such as universal retirement protection and minimum wage, actively participating in significant social movements and policy advocacies in Hong Kong over the past two decades.
The statement also mentioned that during the 19 years since its establishment, the party has experienced internal disputes and a crisis where almost all the leadership was incarcerated due to civil disobedience. Hong Kong has also undergone drastic changes, with civil society decaying, grassroots organizations falling apart, red lines everywhere, and citizens facing repercussions easily. Despite this situation, the Social Democrats continued to speak out, hoping to contribute their efforts without regretting their initial intentions.
The party believes that under the domino effect, they will not be the last organization to voluntarily dissolve, emphasizing that members will continue to shine in various fields in Hong Kong based on their beliefs.
Chairperson Chen Baoying admitted that the decision to dissolve the Social Democrats was made by considering “people” as the most important value, taking into account the safety of colleagues and members. She also revealed discussions with the founding member Leung Kwok-hung who is currently incarcerated. When asked about the pressure leading to the dissolution and when the idea of dissolving was contemplated, Chen only stated that everything that could be said had been expressed, unable to further elucidate on the reasons. She emphasized that they were not afraid but lamented that the law had become a weapon against dissenters.
Chen Baoying added that the decision to dissolve was unanimously approved through the proper procedures, and there were no bank accounts or assets to handle; even if the party had cash, it would be used to settle tax obligations.
When asked if the reluctance to disclose details was related to the National Security Law, Chen replied that everyone should understand, and the dissolution was inevitable at this point, with no other choice, feeling ashamed to continue.
Wong Ho-ming expressed gratitude to all the founding members for their parliamentary resistance over the years, especially Leung Kwok-hung; he mentioned that Leung had taught him about ethics and civic responsibility, despite being imprisoned, guiding him on how to bear civic duties. He noted that the dissolution of the Social Democrats signifies a further shrinkage in the scope of freedom of speech, hoping for continued freedom of assembly, and for Leung Kwok-hung and others to regain their freedom soon.
Founding member Zeng Jiancheng mentioned that over the past decade, he witnessed the rise and fall of Hong Kong, from the era of abundant freedoms to now where everyone is striving to preserve their lives and safety.
Samson, who was released from prison at the end of last month, only spoke when prompted by reporters and expressed uncertainty about what to say, feelings of fear and tension. He recalled joining the Social Democrats in 2008 as a student, witnessing the founding members’ efforts to connect with different marginalized groups. He described joining the Social Democrats as a proud decision and hoped to walk the last mile with the party.
Last Tuesday, the Economic Daily cited sources revealing that since the beginning of this year, the Social Democrats had received warnings from different “informants” to cease operations before July 1st, with some individuals alleging financial irregularities within the party and potential legal violations; individual members had previously touched on red lines when expressing their demands, posing legal risks. After internal discussions, the Social Democrats decided to formalize the dissolution process on Sunday (the 29th) based on an evaluation of the situation, intending to meet the deadline before July 1st.
Founded in 2006, the Social Democrats claimed to be a “clear opposition force.” In the 2008 Legislative Council elections, Leung Kwok-hung, Wong Yuk-man, and Chan Wai-yip were successfully elected. During the release of the Government Policy Address in October of the same year, Wong Yuk-man protested by throwing a banana at then-Chief Executive Donald Tsang in the Council; in 2009, the Social Democrats launched the “Five-District Resignation Referendum” campaign.
After nearly five years, internal conflicts arose within the Social Democrats, leading Wong Yuk-man and Chan Wai-yip to form the “Power of the People” with over a hundred members in 2011. Leung Kwok-hung was successfully re-elected in 2016 but was disqualified as a legislator due to the oath-taking controversy, resulting in the Social Democrats losing their seats in the Legislative Council.