Elizabeth Tang was one of the founders of Hong Kong's only free trade union in 1990. Today she leads the Global Trade Union Federation of Unions and is invited to speak at the Palm Center in Stockholm.

Many frustrated

She does not believe that the now withdrawn bill on extradition will lead to positive reactions in the democracy movement.

- The protests have not been dealt with other than brutal police violence for several months. Many are very frustrated and want to have a dialogue about several requirements. One of them is an independent commission that will review what really happened when the protests were shut down. We also demand that activists be released from prisons. But the most important thing for us is the right to choose our own leaders.

Is it realistic to believe that China would allow free elections in Hong Kong?

- We hope for a serious dialogue and that Mainland China understands that this would be good for all parties, says Elizabeth Tang to SVT News.

She believes that the economic damage caused by the demonstrations may have forced the remission of the disputed bill.

- The uprising has scared off tourists and reduced Hong Kong revenue, but that's not our fault. It is the Chinese regime that is responsible for the deadlock that has occurred, she says.

Protesters have also used violence, including fire bombs. Don't they also have responsibility for the escalated violence?

- Yes that's true. But the police have taken over, you cannot compare the strength ratio. Police documents are governed by Beijing directives.

Dialogue with China

Elizabeth Tang believes the protests will continue until a dialogue with China begins.

- Hong Kong residents are behind our demands. We need to talk to each other about how we can save Hong Kong and democracy, ”she says.