NA session and voter expectations

The legislature met at a time when the national economy was facing numerous difficulties and challenges, including high inflation and stagnant business production. The session was considered a test for deputies elected six months ago and the Cabinet elected four months ago to show their capacity and responsibility toward the nation.

In the spirit of frankness and seriousness, the NA made an in-depth analysis and objective assessment of Vietnam’s achievements, weaknesses, causes and lessons learnt from implementing socio-economic tasks in the past months. It set major targets for 2012 and the following years, with priority given to curbing inflation, stabilising the macro economy, maintaining considerable growth, ensuring social security and improving people’s living conditions.

Deputies are interested in the Q&A session

The government was also asked to improve the efficiency of foreign affairs and international integration, firmly defend national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintain political security and social order, so as to lay a firm foundation for Vietnam to become a modern industrial nation by 2020.

As usual, the question-and-answer session which lasted two and a half days captured great attention from the public. Four cabinet ministers and the governor of the central bank took the floor answering the deputies’ questions related to hot social issues.

The Prime Minister also presented a report clarifying the government’s performance and answered the deputies’ questions.

They dwelled on solutions for reining in inflation, restructuring the banking system, managing market prices and public debts, reducing traffic congestion and accidents, increasing investment in agriculture and rural development, and improving the quality of education.

For the first time, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. He said Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence to assert that both groups of islands belong to Vietnam.

In his speech broadcast live on national radio and television systems, the PM said Vietnam wants to settle East Sea issues through peaceful negotiations.

He also confirmed that the debated demonstration bill conforms to the national Constitution and international norms and practices. He said the bill is to guarantee citizens’ rights to freedom and democracy in line with the Constitution and State law.

For any legislative session, voters and people await scientifically grounded and accurate analysis of the country’s socio-economic situation, causes of weaknesses in macro-management and forecast capacity, and solutions. They expect Cabinet members will make commitments to help the country ride out the economic slowdown and move forward.

At this year-end session, question time saw improvements, focusing on burning social issues of concern to deputies and voters. Its atmosphere was described as democratic, frank, accountable and constructive. Several Cabinet members admitted individual responsibility for weaknesses occurring in their sectors and proposed measures to overcome the faults. However, there were some general questions and answers which did not satisfy the deputies and voters.  

Actions speak louder than words. Voters are now looking forward to strong action from the Cabinet members.