Major issues on the agenda

In Conclusion No. 127 on the continued restructuring of the political system’s organisational apparatus, the Politburo and the Secretariat called for the highest political resolve and swift implementation under the principle of “advancing while arranging”, given the substantial workload and high requirements in both quality and pace. According to the plan of the Central Steering Committee for reviewing the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, relevant proposals have been revised based on feedback and are now ready for submission to the 11th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee.

These include: a proposal to review, revise and supplement several articles of the Constitution and State laws; a proposal to reorganise administrative units at all levels and establish a two-tier local government model; a proposal to streamline the organisational structures of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, socio-political organisations and mass associations tasked by the Party and State; and a proposal on the local court and procuracy systems in line with the orientation of eliminating the district level.

Other key documents include a proposal and a draft directive to replace Directive No. 35-CT/TW and Conclusion No. 118-KL/TW (dated January 18, 2025) of the 13th Politburo regarding Party congresses at all levels towards the 14th National Party Congress, and a draft regulation to replace Regulation No. 232-QD/TW (dated January 20, 2025) of the Party Central Committee on implementing the Party Charter. There will also be a report on the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW and Conclusion No. 127-KL/TW, along with directions for the next phase of organisational restructuring.

Another critical matter is the orientation for personnel work for the 14th Party Central Congress, including a review and supplementation of the planning for the 14th Party Central Committee, which will be submitted to this plenum.

Also on the table is a thematic report on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, in line with the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 57. As repeatedly emphasised by Party and State leaders, the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation is an imperative and the only path for national development.

With high aspirations, long-term vision, and innovative, practical thinking, the Party Central Committee is deliberating and will make revolutionary and breakthrough decisions to lay the foundation for national development in a new era, beginning with the 14th National Party Congress.

National Assembly to institutionalise Party decisions

In line with its functions and authority, the National Assembly will work alongside the Government to institutionalise and carry out the Party’s policies, starting with the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly, which will convene on May 5, half a month earlier than usual, and is expected to run until June 28, in two phases.

The Party delegation to the National Assembly is leading efforts to revise and supplement several provisions of the 2013 Constitution, focusing on the organisation of the political system. This includes amendments to Chapter IX on local administrations, with a proposed removal of the district-level administrative unit and the introduction of a two-tier system (province and sub-provincial level). Relevant laws are also being reviewed and amended to ensure coherence, consistency, and prompt enforcement.

Accordingly, the National Assembly Standing Committee has outlined the session’s tentative agenda and sought feedback from delegations and lawmakers, proposing the inclusion of constitutional amendments and the consideration of 13 draft laws related to the restructuring of the political system’s organisational apparatus.

The Standing Committee has also proposed that the National Assembly consider and decide on the merger of provincial-level administrative units, the establishment of the National Election Council, and the election of its chairperson.

“The upcoming 9th session of the National Assembly holds great importance and historical significance for the country,” said National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, urging relevant agencies to begin preparations early, with careful and high-quality planning, making it possible for the National Assembly and its Standing Committee to decide within their authority.

Next step in streamlining State apparatus

In a short time, ministries, sectors, and localities have actively downsized their apparatus, merged various units, and drafted new proposals to continue reorganising at the provincial and communal levels, guided by the principles of “saying and doing,” “discussing for action, not delay,” and “the central level sets the example, local levels respond.”

The restructured administrative apparatus will include three levels: central, provincial/municipal, and communal/ward. The plan envisions reducing the current 63 provinces and cities to around 34, eliminating the district level, and cutting the number of communal-level administrative units from 10,035 to around 5,000- over 50% fewer, though slightly less than the initial target of a 70–75% reduction.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, all 63 provinces and cities are to submit their administrative restructuring plans by May 1. These will be compiled for submission to the National Assembly and its Standing Committee at the same time. The aim is to complete the communal-level restructuring by June 30 and the provincial-level restructuring by August 30, enabling the new model to be operational from July 1 and September 1, 2025, respectively.

To realise these goals, the priority is to finalize institutions. The draft revised Law on Organisation of Local Government includes provisions for the organisation and functioning of two-tier local governments. After the district level is dissolved, communal-level governments will assume the duties and powers currently held by the district-level government.

This means communal-level authorities will be given broader powers. The structure and policies for civil servants and public officials must also be updated to meet the demands of their expanded responsibilities.

The plan to restructure communal-level units, eliminate district-level administration, and merge provinces is a long-term strategic vision aimed at boosting the country’s sustainable development. It is not merely a matter of adjusting administrative boundaries or reducing the number of units, it is about reshaping development space and providing fresh impetus for national progress. The streamlining of the State apparatus is entering a new phase, with numerous vital issues now at the centre of deliberations.

Party Central Committee discusses personnel work

VOV.VN - The Party Central Committee, at a meeting in Hanoi on January 31, agreed to let a Politburo member and a Party Central Committee member relinquish their positions in the Politburo and the Party on their requests.