Since assuming office in August 2024, Party General Secretary To Lam has left a distinct imprint on the country’s political direction, advancing far-reaching institutional reforms, tightening discipline and laying out long-term strategic priorities for national development.

One of the most consequential initiatives under his leadership has been a large-scale restructuring of the political and administrative system in line with the Politburo’s Resolution 18. Implemented within a short timeframe, the overhaul represents the most extensive streamlining effort to date, reshaping Party, State and mass organisations from the central to local levels.

The reform has reduced overlapping structures, cut administrative layers and improved operational efficiency. For the first time, Vietnam has introduced a two-tier local government model nationwide, a move aimed at enhancing decentralisation, strengthening accountability and bringing public administration closer to citizens.

In a recent policy article, the Party chief stressed that with the centenary of the Communist Party and the 100th anniversary of the modern Vietnamese state approaching, there is little room for delay or policy inconsistency. Achieving long-term national goals, he wrote, requires urgent and comprehensive reform of the political system’s organisational apparatus.

Beyond downsizing, the restructuring has sought to unlock resources for development by reducing recurrent expenditures, clarifying authority between administrative levels and improving service delivery. The reforms are intended to create fiscal and institutional space for the next phase of socio-economic growth.

Since late 2024, the Politburo has issued nine strategic resolutions covering key areas of national development. Together, they form a coordinated policy framework reflecting renewed emphasis on long-term planning, institutional reform and political resolve as Vietnam positions itself for a new stage of growth.

Anti-corruption and waste prevention have remained central to the Party chief’s agenda. Authorities have continued to pursue cases with what officials describe as a “no forbidden zones, no exceptions” approach, a stance that has reinforced internal discipline and public confidence.

A notable development has been the expansion of the Central Steering Committee’s mandate to include waste prevention. Party leaders have underscored that waste poses risks comparable to, or even greater than, corruption, and must be addressed with equal priority.

Social welfare has also featured prominently in the Party chief’s leadership agenda. He has repeatedly called for stronger action to improve healthcare and education services, expand support for people with disabilities and ensure that economic development translates into tangible improvements in living standards.

Party officials say these measures reflect a broader effort to align governance reform, social policy and economic strategy, as Vietnam seeks to sustain growth while maintaining social stability and public trust.

Vietnam to elect top Communist Party leadership today

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s newly elected Party Central Committee is set to vote on the country’s top party leadership positions later today (January 23), as part of the 14th National Party Congress.