Meeting voters from 11 wards in Hanoi, the Party leader briefed them on the outcomes of the National Assembly’s recent 10th session and listened to their concerns ranging from environmental degradation to cybersecurity and healthcare reform.

The voters welcomed the legislative session’s results, praising continued efforts to institutionalise the Party’s directive on institutional reform, described as a “breakthrough of breakthroughs” aimed at removing development bottlenecks. They also noted the heavy legislative workload ahead as Vietnam has been implementing a two-tier local government model since July 1, 2025.

However, the voters raised concerns about the tension between rapid economic growth and environmental quality, citing worsening air pollution, untreated wastewater and direct impacts on public health.

Responding to these concerns, the top leader stressed that the development of green and public transport must go hand in hand with strict emissions controls and tougher enforcement against violators. He expressed concerns over air pollution levels recorded in recent times and warned against misconduct at some air quality monitoring stations that could distort data and undermine citizens’ right to information and health protection.

On cybercrime, voters called for tighter oversight of telecom operators and stricter penalties for the misuse of technology and artificial intelligence in online scams and false advertising.

Authorities will continue to refine regulations on e-commerce, price management and consumer protection, and will take tough action against technology-enabled fraud and the production and sale of counterfeit goods, he said, adding that efforts are also needed to strengthen individuals’ ability to protect themselves.

Addressing questions on the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 72 on universal health care, voters sought clarity on the scope and timeline of hospital fee exemptions.

The Party chief said Vietnam’s long-term approach is to expand health insurance coverage, increase reimbursement levels and gradually widen exemptions for basic medical services in line with the country’s development conditions, while continuing to upgrade grassroots-level and municipal healthcare systems.

The leader said development should not be measured solely by economic growth or administrative targets, but by citizens’ sense of security, satisfaction and tangible benefits.

He stressed discipline, integrity and transparency in governance, along with a strong public service ethos, as foundations for sustainable social welfare, public trust and development in the new era.

Hanoi tops global air pollution ranking as smog worsens on Dec. 7

VOV.VN - Hanoi recorded hazardous air pollution levels on the evening of December 7, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) spiking to 35 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit and the city briefly ranking as the world’s most polluted, according to air quality monitor IQAir.