In his article titled “Ho Chi Minh Thought Illuminates Our Path” the top leader noted that Vietnam is facing new demand for governance reform, modernisation of the political system, administrative streamlining and more effective public service. In this context, Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to serve as the spiritual foundation and guiding compass for all achievements of the Vietnamese revolution.

He stressed that while the documents of the 14th National Party Congress define Vietnam’s development pathway for the coming years, Ho Chi Minh Thought remains the guiding light helping the country move forward with confidence, correct direction and strong trust in the people.

“The people are the root” and the drive for governance reform

One of the key themes highlighted in the article is President Ho Chi Minh’s principle that “the people are the root,” which continues to shape Vietnam’s current policies and governance reforms.

According to the leader, President Ho Chi Minh viewed the people as both the driving force of history and the ultimate purpose of the Party and State. All interests must serve the people, and all power belongs to the people. Therefore, officials and Party members must stay close to the people, understand them and act responsibly in serving them.

This principle, he argued, places clear demand on ongoing administrative reforms. Streamlining the political system is not merely about reducing bureaucracy or cutting costs, but about building a more effective, people-oriented and service-driven governance structure.

The article also emphasises that decentralisation and delegation of authority must go hand in hand with accountability, while digital transformation should aim not only to modernise administration but also to create a more transparent, fair and convenient governance system for citizens and businesses.

The Party General Secretary and President stated that all reforms must ultimately be measured by public satisfaction, trust and happiness. Studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality and style should not remain symbolic slogans, but must be reflected through public ethics, responsibility and practical effectiveness.

Self-reliance and national aspirations in a changing world

The article devotes significant attention to Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of independence, self-reliance and national resilience in the context of today’s rapidly changing global landscape shaped by strategic competition, technological transformation and economic shifts.

The top leader remarked that President Ho Chi Minh consistently emphasised the importance of relying primarily on internal strength while also combining national strength with the strength of the times. That spirit, he said, continues to guide Vietnam’s efforts to build an independent, self-reliant and globally competitive economy capable of deep international integration without dependence.

He stressed that President Ho Chi Minh’s aspiration for Vietnam to “stand shoulder to shoulder with world powers” has now become a practical national development goal.

To achieve that ambition, Vietnam must strongly promote innovation, science and technology, digital transformation and productivity growth while overcoming the risks of technological and developmental lag.

The Party chief and president added that the major orientations adopted at the 14th National Party Congress, including sustainable growth, scientific and technological development, innovation, digital transformation, institutional reform and improving national governance, all represent creative applications of Ho Chi Minh Thought under new historical conditions.

Building a clean Party and strengthening national unity

Another major issue highlighted in the article is Ho Chi Minh Thought on Party building and political integrity.

According to Party General Secretary and President To Lam, President Ho Chi Minh always considered morality the foundation of revolutionary leadership and viewed close ties with the people as essential to the Party’s legitimacy and development.

In today’s context, building a clean and strong Party carries vital importance for national development, he noted.

A streamlined political system can only function effectively with officials who possess integrity, competence, responsibility and the courage to act for the common good. Modern governance, he added, must be built on discipline, transparency, integrity and accountability.

The article stresses that fighting corruption, wastefulness, bureaucracy and negative practices is not only a matter of Party building but also a development requirement.

Anti-corruption efforts help clean up the system, strengthen public trust and protect national resources, while combating wastefulness and bureaucracy ensures resources are used effectively and policies remain closely connected to reality.

The top leader also reaffirmed President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of great national unity as a strategic source of strength for Vietnam in the new development era.

According to him, Vietnam’s future growth depends on mobilising the intelligence, creativity and contributions of all social groups, including workers, farmers, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, youth, women, ethnic minorities, religious communities and overseas Vietnamese.

Development centred on people and national prosperity

Party General Secretary and President To Lam stressed that Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on culture and humanity continue to illuminate Vietnam’s sustainable development goals in the new era.

Development, he said, should not be measured solely by economic growth, but also by improvements in education, culture, ethics and the material and spiritual well-being of the people.

Rapid growth must go hand in hand with sustainability, while economic development must align with social progress and equity. International integration should also be accompanied by preserving national cultural identity.

In his view, all current reforms, from administrative restructuring and digital transformation to private-sector development, social welfare, health care, education and national defence, should continue to be guided by Ho Chi Minh Thought to ensure that development remains centred on people and public well-being.

Concluding the article, the Party General Secretary and State President affirmed that under the light of Ho Chi Minh Thought, Vietnam’s Party, people and armed forces will successfully implement the resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and realise the goal of building a prosperous, powerful and happy Vietnam.

Party draws strength from close ties with the people: Top Vietnamese leader

VOV.VN - The Communist Party of Vietnam draws its strength from its close bond with the people, while the State is strong because it relies on the people and the political system endures because it is trusted, supported, protected and built by the people.