Commune-level administrative units to be reduced by four times to 2,500
VOV.VN - The number of commune-level administrative units in Vietnam is expected to be cut from over 10,000 at present to 2,500 this year after the planned merger, according to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.
The restructuring process is projected to be completed by June this year, revealed Binh during his recent working session with the leadership of the Binh Thuan provincial Party Committee.
He said, competent authorities would issue criteria for localities to develop plans for restructuring commune-level administrative units. The Politburo has also requested a temporary suspension of district- and commune-level Party congresses, with further guidance on this matter to be issued soon.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the merger would change the scale of commune-level administrative units, so local authorities need to carefully consider documentation and personnel. Commune-level Party congresses will be held after the completion of the merger, expected in the second half of June and early July.
At present, Vietnam has 63 provincial-level administrative units, 696 districts, and 10,035 communes and wards. It is implementing a plan to restructure its commune-level administrative units to streamline the government apparatus and enhance management efficiency.
In addition, it is drafting plans to eliminate district-level administrative units and merge provincial-level administrative units.
The Political Bureau and the Party’s Secretariat recently issued Conclusion No. 126-KL/TW regarding the continued restructuring and streamlining of the administrative system, including the potential merger of certain provinces, the elimination of district-level administration, and the consolidation of commune-level units. A two-tier local government model will be implemented to ensure a streamlined, efficient, and effective system.
During a meeting in early March, the Government Party Committee agreed on a two-tier local government model, consisting of the provincial level (including provinces and centrally governed cities) and the grassroots level. It is also discussing and reviewing proposed plans to merge certain provincial-level units, eliminate the district level, and consolidate some commune-level units.
District-level police no longer in operation in Vietnam as of March 1
VOV.VN - From March 1, 2025, Vietnam will officially eliminate the district-level police and transition to a three-tier police structure: ministry, province, and commune, according to Government Decree 02 announced at a press briefing in Hanoi on February 28.
