Hong Kongs Democratic Party Dissolves: A Significant Shift in the Citys Political LandscapeThe Democratic Party, Hong Kongs largest pro-democracy group, has decided to disband after over three decades of activism. This move reflects the shrinking freedoms in the city since its return to Chinas rule in 1997. The partys leaders expressed regret, stating that the political climate has shifted too much for them to continue. This decision comes after many leading activists, including former party chairs, were arrested under Chinas national security law, which was imposed in 2020 following massive anti-government protests.The Democratic Party, founded in 1994, was a moderate opposition group that pushed for universal suffrage. It once held many legislative seats and had dozens of directly elected district councilors. Its willingness to negotiate with Beijing even led to its proposal being included in a 2010 political reform package. However, the partys disbandment shows how Hong Kong has moved away from being a free and liberal society.This decision is part of a larger trend, as dozens of civil society groups have also closed, including the second-largest pro-democracy party, the Civic Party, and a group that organized annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Despite this, some still believe that if Hong Kong people continue to believe in democracy, they will keep striving for it, as universal suffrage is promised under the citys mini-constitution.
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