Macau rejects European Union report on rights erosion as "unfounded"
The Legislative Assembly of Macau has issued a firm rejection of the European Union's latest annual report, describing the document's claims as "unfounded comments" and expressing "firm opposition" to the analysis. The dispute centres on the EU's assessment that 2025 brought a continued erosion of fundamental rights in the Special Administrative Region.
Released on Tuesday, the EU's 26th annual report states that 2025 was marked by a "greater erosion of rights and fundamental freedoms" that should be protected until at least 2049 under the "one country, two systems" principle. The Joint Portuguese-Chinese Declaration, signed in 1987, guarantees that Macau's social and economic system will remain unchanged for 50 years after the 1999 handover.
Disqualified candidates and electoral changes
The EU report highlighted the disqualification of 12 candidates ahead of the September 2025 elections for the eighth Legislative Assembly. The Electoral Affairs Commission barred these candidates for failing to uphold the Basic Law and demonstrate loyalty to the Macau Special Administrative Region (RAEM).
The Legislative Assembly countered that the election was conducted successfully in accordance with the law in a "fair, impartial and clean environment." It argued that the commission's decisions on candidate eligibility were within its legal powers and implemented the principle of "Macau governed by patriots."
Only 14 of the legislature's 33 deputies are elected by direct suffrage. The remaining seats are filled through indirect election by special interest groups or appointment by the Chief Executive.
First national security detention
The EU document also noted the first detention under Macau's national security law — that of former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San, a Portuguese citizen. He was detained on 30 July on allegations of collusion with foreign forces and remains in custody awaiting sentencing.
The closure of independent media outlet All About Macau in October, which cited mounting pressures and risks, was also referenced in the European assessment.
Government calls for end to annual reports
On Wednesday, the Macau Government under Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai rejected the report's contents, saying the territory has seen stable economic development since the 1999 handover and continuous improvement in its democratic system.
An official statement asserted that residents enjoy rights to freedom of expression, press and assembly, adding that Macau has made "comprehensive progress in the area of human rights."
The government urged the EU to cease publishing what it termed self-initiated reports, describing them as interference in the internal affairs of China and the RAEM.
Diplomatic friction
The Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macau also responded on Wednesday, saying the EU analysis arbitrarily attacks the rule of law and human rights situation in the territory.
"The fact that the vast majority of Macau residents have been able to live and work in peace and satisfaction over the years constitutes the most convincing proof," the commission stated, adding: "A lie, even repeated a thousand times, remains a lie."
For Portuguese citizens, the case of Au Kam San — who remains detained without bail with limited family contact — underscores the practical limits of consular protection when national security charges are invoked in Macau. The trial, which began behind closed doors on 16 September, is the first national security case heard in the region.
