Congress acts for real reforms

This morning, May 5th, the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly opened amidst a period of significant transformation in the country's institutional and organizational structure. This is also a crucial time in preparation for the general election for the new term. With an unprecedented workload – over 30 draft laws, 7 resolutions, and a host of important issues such as constitutional amendments, fiscal policy adjustments, and streamlining the apparatus – this session is considered a major milestone.

On this occasion, our reporter had a conversation with Mr. Nguyen Huu Thong – Deputy Head of the Standing Delegation of the National Assembly of Binh Thuan Province – to record his thoughts, preparations, and expectations.

PV: Sir, what are the key issues on the agenda for this session that require special attention?

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thong: I think this session is both "heavy" in terms of work and "deep" in terms of responsibility. The planned agenda for the 9th session reflects a huge volume of work with many tasks being carried out simultaneously for the first time. Delegates will have to focus intensely on many key issues. First is the review and amendment of the 2013 Constitution – a major task, expected to dedicate two whole days to discussion. Amending the Constitution after 10 years requires a strategic vision, aiming to update the highest legal foundation of the nation, especially to create a constitutional basis for reorganizing the state apparatus and implementing other major reforms. The session is expected to pass 30 laws and 7 resolutions – a record number. The laws span a wide range of fields, from economics and finance (such as the Law on Special Consumption Tax, the amended Law on Corporate Income Tax, etc.), to education and labor (the Law on Teachers, the amended Law on Employment, etc.), state administration (the Law on Organization of Local Government, the amended Law on Cadres and Civil Servants, etc.), and even science and technology (the Law on Personal Data Protection, the Law on Digital Technology Industry, etc.). This demonstrates a determination to remove institutional barriers, create a transparent and open legal framework, and transform policies into drivers of development.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thong – Deputy Head of the Standing Delegation of the National Assembly of Binh Thuan Province.

In addition, the National Assembly also commented on six other draft laws – covering very new areas such as personal data protection, innovation, and emergency situations… This lays the foundation for further reforms, especially in digital transformation, data security governance, and innovation promotion. The National Assembly is demonstrating a forward-thinking vision, anticipating the development trends of the country and the world. The session will also consider and decide on many major issues concerning socio-economic development, the budget, and organizational structure: supplementing the assessment of the results of the implementation of the socio-economic development plan for 2024 and the first months of 2025; adjusting some important economic indicators such as reducing VAT for the last six months of 2025 to support businesses and people; approving the 2023 budget settlement; The National Assembly reviewed reports on austerity, combating waste, gender equality, and other issues. A particularly noteworthy item was the consideration of establishing the National Election Council – a crucial preparatory step for the upcoming general election, ensuring a well-organized, streamlined, and efficient administrative apparatus. The National Assembly also dedicated 1.5 days to question-and-answer sessions – demonstrating a high level of oversight and a willingness to work overtime to thoroughly address issues of concern to voters.

It can be said that this session is a test of the courage, wisdom, and sense of responsibility of the 15th National Assembly. But looking at the serious and thorough preparation from the beginning – demonstrated through surveys, consultations with experts, and careful review of draft laws and resolutions – I believe that the National Assembly will excellently fulfill its nhiệm vụ, creating historic decisions and paving the way for a new phase of national development.

Delegation of National Assembly Deputies from Binh Thuan Province.

PV: During the meetings with voters before the session, what were the most prominent concerns that voters in Binh Thuan expressed, sir?

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thong: Before the session, the Binh Thuan Provincial National Assembly Delegation held meetings in 20 communes, wards, and towns across 10 districts, towns, and cities, with the participation of over 1,000 voters. These meetings recorded many diverse and varied opinions. Voters expressed high agreement with the Central Government's strategic decisions – especially the policy of reorganizing administrative units and streamlining the organizational structure for greater efficiency and effectiveness. This is considered a historic step, creating a foundation for sustainable national development. However, there were also concerns about the risk of losing names associated with local history and identity. Voters hoped that the mergers would be accompanied by transparent personnel management, selecting the right people with virtue, talent, and dedication to serving the people. Many also expressed their hope that the laws and policies presented at the session would be developed in a way that closely reflects reality, fully incorporating the people's opinions to facilitate their implementation.

In the areas of labor and social policy, voters proposed appropriate support mechanisms for commune-level civil servants, part-time officials, and those working in specialized associations who have been laid off – to help them stabilize their lives. In the healthcare sector, they requested that the Government and the Ministry of Health promptly reimburse the costs of supplies and biological products for the fight against Covid-19. Regarding transportation, they requested investment in the construction of breakwaters and storm shelters in Mui Ne. In the economic sector, voters expressed concern about the disparity between domestic and international gold prices and requested appropriate stabilization measures.

Regarding organizational structure and social security, voters desire a new organizational model that clearly assigns responsibilities to specific individuals and tasks, avoiding buck-passing and inconvenience to citizens. They propose arranging commune-level officials to suit the cultural characteristics of each locality. Voters also request measures to protect personal data, strictly punish high-tech crimes, and oppose regulations restricting citizens from recording traffic police. Food safety and false advertising, especially on social media, are also major concerns – they propose tightening management and strictly punishing individuals and artists who exploit their image to promote substandard products.

PV: What are your personal expectations for this "historic" session?

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thong: I expect the National Assembly not only to achieve its legislative goals, but also to create a "boost of confidence." Confidence that National Assembly representatives remain people of the people, working for the people. I believe that, with a serious and responsible work ethic, the 15th National Assembly will continue to demonstrate its role as the highest power organ of the people, and its competence in resolving major national issues.

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