Legco to consider reopening demonstration area in early 2025

Authorities will consider whether or not reopening the designated demonstration area at the Legislative Council Complex in early 2025 the soonest, the legislature’s president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said. 

In an interview with a Chinese newspaper, Leung said the expansion work of the Legco Complex is ongoing and the removed glass is placed at the Legco Square next to the demonstration area, worrying that it will pose risks to protesters. 

“The demonstration area can only reopen when we get rid of the glass and can ensure it is safe,” Leung said. 

He stressed there was no political consideration only that of a safety issue. 

He also said the expansion work has been progressing smoothly and hopes the work will be completed in early 2025. 

Lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-chun said protesting is one of the many special features in Hong Kong and there were even mainland tourists coming to the SAR to see people protest. 

Tse said if the social environment remains stable, citizens should then be allowed to express their opinions at places including the Legco demonstration area. 

Tse noted that there are still opposing voices after the anti-extradition bill movement but now the public doesn’t have anywhere to vent their emotions, an issue that cannot be ignored. 

Another lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu said that as the city resumes the normalcy, protests, handing in petitions or submissions, and public hearings, should resume back to normal as well.