Gov’t rebuts EU concerns over erosion of fundamental freedoms

The European Union (EU) recently expressed concern over the erosion of Macau’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms, citing the amended Legislative Assembly Election Law, to which both the Chinese and Macau governments voiced strong dissatisfaction and opposition, asserting that Macau affairs are strictly China’s internal matters and urging the EU to acknowledge the facts.

The EU released its annual report, the 25th report, on the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) last week.

In the report, the EU reaffirmed its position, stating that since Macau’s handover to China in 1999, it has closely monitored the region’s political and economic developments under the ‘One country, two systems’ principle to ensure that the city’s way of life, rule of law, and fundamental rights remain unchanged until 2049.

The report expressed concern that, since last year, legislative amendments and the formation of the sixth-term SAR Government led by Sam Hou Fai have resulted in a continued erosion of Macau’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms.

“This is the 25th report, covering 2024. Politically, the year saw a continued erosion of autonomy and fundamental freedoms and rights that are meant to be protected until at least 2049,” the report stated. It added, “The two legislative amendments to implement the doctrine of ‘patriots ruling Macau’ further limit the space for pluralist voices in the region.”

The EU referenced the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration signed between the Portuguese and Chinese governments in 1987, criticizing Macau’s implementation of the “patriots administering Macau” political principle.

It highlighted the inclusion of central government officials in the National Security Committee, which now has the authority to determine whether candidates uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Macau SAR.

“This move further restricts political and social pluralism and constitutes direct influence over Macau’s local Legislative Assembly elections,” according to the report.

The report also underscored significant concerns regarding rights, freedoms, and equal opportunities in Macau, notably highlighting the pressure on freedom of assembly.

This is exemplified by the absence of commemorations for the Tiananmen crackdown and the discontinuation of a critical column in a local newspaper.

Gov’t, Foreign

Ministry deny allegations

Following the release of the report, the SAR government promptly issued a statement refuting its contents, criticizing the EU for making “factually inaccurate statements and biased comments” regarding the political and social development of the region.

The statement specifically addressed criticisms of Macau’s amendments to laws, including the Legislative Assembly Election Law, asserting that “the Macau SAR government expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to” the content of the EU report.

The statement emphasized that “with the steadfast support of the Central Government,” Macau has “firmly implemented the ‘One country, two systems’ principle and the Basic Law” since its handover. This adherence has resulted in “steady economic development, long-term social stability and harmony, and continuously enhanced public welfare measures.”

It further asserted that residents lawfully “enjoy extensive rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly.” The government claimed that these achievements “have been widely praised by the international community and enjoy strong support from residents.”

Regarding allegations concerning the Macau authorities’ amendments to laws such as the Legislative Assembly Election Law and the Oath-taking Law, the government emphasized that it “extensively consulted the public and relevant stakeholders” during the amendment process. It asserted, “These amendments have further refined the electoral system and the oath-taking procedure in line with the principle of ‘patriots governing Macau.’”

The government claimed that these changes contribute to the “enduring success of the ‘One country, two systems’ principle in Macau.”

“As an important partner of China and the Macau SAR, the EU has repeatedly expressed support for the ‘One country, two systems’ principle and its implementation in Macau,” it was noted. The statement continued, “The Macau SAR government therefore urges the EU to honor its commitments and take concrete steps conducive to fostering bilateral relations.”

In its response to the EU report, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macau emphasized that the implementation of ‘One country, two systems’ with Macau characteristics has “achieved tremendous success.”

The region has experienced “historic leaps in economic and social development,” and its democratic political system has been “further refined.” The office affirmed that residents’ freedoms of speech and the press, along with labor rights, are “fully guaranteed by law.”

It added, “We once again urge the EU to recognize the facts, adopt the correct stance, and immediately cease its year-after-year political manipulation. It must immediately stop interfering in any form in the affairs of the Macau SAR and China’s internal affairs!”

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that implementing the principle of “patriots administering Macau” and establishing legal safeguards for national security are vital to protecting the fundamental rights of Macau residents and ensuring the region’s long-term prosperity and stability.

These measures also serve to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of individuals from all countries, including those in Europe, residing in Macau.