The Hong Kong SAR Government’s Proposal on Improving District Governance (May 2023) addresses the imperative to reform the District Councils (DCs) and local governance structure, marking a critical step from “order restored” to “prosperity sustained.” The reform prioritizes:
Depoliticizing DCs – Restoring their Basic Law-mandated consultative and community service functions under “patriots administering Hong Kong”;
Strengthening Administrative Leadership – Embedding executive-led governance at the district level to enhance efficiency and public service delivery.
Post-2019 social turmoil exposed systemic flaws in DCs’ “over-politicization,” necessitating institutional realignment with national security and “one country, two systems” principles. This restructuring is vital to optimize grassroots governance and solidify Hong Kong’s long-term stability.