Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh , Member of the Political Bureau, Standing Deputy Prime Minister of the Government - Photo: VGP/Nguyen Hoang
Public opinion is calling this a "reorganization of the country" - a difficult, complex, sensitive, and unprecedented undertaking.
The Government's online portal had an interview with Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh , Member of the Politburo and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister. Through the lens of an insider, the dry numbers suddenly become vibrant, containing within them a strategic mindset, the courage to confront the truth, and above all, a heart for the people and the nation.
* Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, looking back at the term that is about to end, public opinion assesses that one of the most outstanding achievements of the 13th Party Congress term was the successful implementation of the organizational streamlining revolution throughout the entire political system. Could you summarize the outstanding results after nearly a year of operation under the new organizational model?
- Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh: As journalists and public opinion have assessed, in implementing Resolution 18 of the Central Committee, we have truly carried out a revolution in organization. People call this the "reorganization of the country".
I believe that way of naming things is very figurative and accurate. This is not just a mechanical integration of administrative units, but truly a revolution with many unprecedented goals, marking a new historical period and laying a solid foundation for an era of prosperous development for the country.
I have had the opportunity to speak with many international leaders and experts, and they all acknowledge that not every country can carry out this revolution, and in fact, not many countries have succeeded. After nearly a year of operation, despite the initial difficulties of the "uneven furrows," we can affirm the following 10 major achievements :
Firstly, it has created a broad space for economic development. The reorganization of administrative units has maximized the strengths of each economic region. We have created large-scale cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City - a megacity with an economic scale comparable to many major cities in the world, capable of competing on an international level.
Many localities that previously faced difficulties due to fragmented terrain, being purely mountainous regions like the Central Highlands, have now, through reorganization, acquired coastal areas, creating a connection between the marine and mountainous economies. The first and most important result is the harmonious combination of the advantages of different economic regions: the plains have mountains, the marine economy has forests, thus optimizing and maximizing the strengths and development space of the country.
Secondly, we must drastically cut down on unreasonable intermediaries. We have resolutely eliminated the layers of intermediaries that have existed for many years. In reality, many departments, bureaus, sub-bureaus, general departments, and even district-level agencies are essentially intermediaries – places where the capacity for policy-making is insufficient, and direct service to the people is not effective.
Therefore, downsizing is a necessary requirement. In fact, recently we have reduced 46% of provincial-level administrative units (29 provinces), 100% of district-level administrative units (696 units), 66.9% of commune-level administrative units (6,714 units), all 30/30 general departments, more than 1,000 departments and divisions, and more than 4,400 sub-departments at the same level, helping the system operate more smoothly.
Thirdly, the political system's apparatus is organized scientifically, streamlined, effective, and efficient. This revolution is not only taking place within the Government but encompasses the entire political system, from the Party, the National Assembly, the armed forces to the Fatherland Front. Agencies and units with similar functions and tasks have been merged to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
For example, the Foreign Affairs Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Mass Mobilization and Propaganda Department – where the functions of propaganda, mobilization, and gathering the people overlap, we have reorganized them scientifically to avoid duplication and maximize resources.
Fourth, a significant reduction in staffing levels is coupled with an improvement in workforce quality. This is a goal we have strived for over many terms, but progress has been slow; now, we have achieved breakthrough results. Through this restructuring, the entire system, from the central to local levels, has reduced approximately 145,000 staff positions.
This creates a valuable opportunity to screen the workforce; to address appropriate policies, and to encourage those with limited health, capabilities, or advanced age to retire. It also represents a meaningful generational transition, as the older generation is willing to step aside to make room and opportunities for development for younger, talented cadres who have received formal and systematic training to contribute and shoulder the responsibility of national development in the new era.
Fifth, we save significant budgetary resources to invest in social welfare. For many years, we have wanted to reform the salary system, but we were hampered by the cumbersome bureaucracy and large staff. Implementing Resolution 18 has streamlined the system, estimated to save approximately 39,000 billion VND in recurrent expenditures annually. These resources are mobilized for social welfare, providing better care for the people.
Immediately after downsizing the workforce, the Politburo decided to use these funds, combined with other resources from the state budget such as increased revenue and reduced expenditure, to waive tuition fees, build schools in border areas, and improve healthcare capacity. Total spending on social welfare during the past term reached over 1 trillion VND, demonstrating the superiority of this policy.
Sixth, we must build a government that is closer to the people and serves them better. This is also a noble goal of the organizational revolution. For the first time, at the grassroots level (communes, wards), we are organizing administrative centers with modern equipment and high-tech applications.
Previously, district-level authorities were far away, and commune-level authorities had limited capacity. Now, by bringing professional staff to communes, we have set higher standards for local governance and public service. As a result, the service capacity of local governments has been significantly improved, better meeting the needs of the people.
Seventh, create compelling incentives to promote digital transformation. Reorganizing the administrative apparatus is a powerful impetus for digital transformation. To serve the people well, build an administration independent of geographical boundaries, and operate 24/7, the only way is to digitize.
This creates a "compelling" situation for all levels of government, from central to local, to decisively implement digital transformation in order to improve the efficiency of serving the people and adapt to the new governance model.
Eighth, strengthen the great national unity. In the new administrative unit, we combine both lowland and highland areas, coastal and delta regions. This arrangement creates conditions for economically strong regions to share resources and support more disadvantaged regions.
The responsibility of local Party organizations and authorities is to narrow the development gap, thereby consolidating and strengthening the national unity bloc.
Ninth, strengthen national defense and security capabilities. Deploying regular police officers to communes helps to accurately assess the situation, resolve conflicts at the grassroots level, and protect the peaceful lives of the people.
At the same time, reorganizing the military forces into new administrative units also contributes to increasing national defense potential, enhancing defense capabilities, and firmly protecting national sovereignty.
Tenth, enhance national competitiveness. Overall, as each commune and province strengthens with a larger, more open economy and mutual support, it will create a combined strength for the entire economy. The synergy of strength from localities after restructuring is the foundation for enhancing the nation's position and competitiveness in the international arena.
Of course, "every beginning is difficult," and the early days of operation inevitably involved some setbacks and shortcomings. But looking at the overall trend of improvement and the increasing satisfaction index of the people, we have reason to believe in the future.
This serves as motivation to continue striving, overcoming challenges, and making the system operate more smoothly and efficiently for the goal of serving the people and developing the country.
On June 30, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh visited and worked with Duc Trong commune (Lam Dong province) on the organization and operation of the Public Administrative Service Center.
* The "reorganization of the country" revolution was a very difficult task. However, this time it was carried out from the central government to the local level in a short period of time. To solve this difficult, sensitive, and unprecedented problem in such a short time, how did we overcome our own limitations? And what lessons can be learned?
- This is a good question, touching on our deepest concerns. This success didn't come naturally; it was earned through sweat, dedication, and even the sacrifice of personal interests. From that vivid and arduous experience, 10 major lessons have been learned, which will be useful not only for implementing this policy but also many others.
First, strategic thinking and a forward-thinking vision are essential. To carry out a revolution of this magnitude requires exceptional vision and thinking; it demands the courage to discard outdated practices that have existed for many years.
In reality, old models, although once effective, have revealed shortcomings in the new era. Therefore, a comprehensive, groundbreaking, and long-term governing mindset is necessary for us to achieve success.
Secondly, the interests of the country and its people must be placed above all else. When formulating major policies, this is the supreme principle. This lesson, though not new, is extremely meaningful in this context. Everyone has affection for their homeland, everyone wants their homeland to become a central urban area, and everyone wants to retain the name of their commune, district, or province.
But if we don't prioritize the greater good and see the common interests of the country, we cannot succeed. We must make serving the people the central focus and the benchmark for success in order to organize a government apparatus that is truly close to and serves the people, as it is today.
Thirdly, we must stay grounded in reality, frankly confront our limitations, and bravely overcome them. Our organizational system has existed for 70-80 years and has proven effective in the past. However, as we enter a new phase, many shortcomings have become apparent.
For example, there are tasks where 2-3 agencies share the same functions and responsibilities; many organizational structures are essentially intermediaries, creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Numerous general departments, departments, divisions, offices, etc., make the system cumbersome.
Therefore, the lesson is that we must boldly identify and confront these challenges and limitations, and courageously eliminate them in order to succeed. If we continue to be hesitant, evasive, and focused on narrow self-interest, it will be very difficult to overcome weaknesses that have persisted for many years.
Fourth, there must be very high political determination and decisive action. To carry out a revolution that not every country can achieve, high determination must begin with the highest organs of power: the Central Committee, the Politburo, the National Assembly, the Government...
Action must be decisive; hesitation, deliberation, and calculation will lead to missed opportunities. During the peak period, the Politburo and the Government held weekly meetings to review work and expedite implementation.
This approach is a new one: it's top-down, with the central government setting an example for those below to follow, and the entire political system getting involved. This has overcome the long-standing limitation of "correct policies but weak implementation."
Fifth, we must leverage the strength of national unity and create widespread consensus. In the face of difficult and sensitive tasks, the greatest lesson is to maintain unity within the Party, the political system, and the people. We must share responsibility.
In fact, this policy received overwhelming support from the people right from its inception. It can be said that the revolution affirmed the people's faith in the Party; the people trusted and wholeheartedly supported it.
Sixth, strictly adhere to the Party's leadership and discipline. Once a correct policy is established, it must be strictly implemented, and words and actions must conform to resolutions and laws. Leaders often say, "One command, all respond."
If each place acts independently and doesn't move in the same direction, it will fail. Therefore, adhering to Party discipline in ensuring progress and completing tasks on time is a hard-learned lesson.
Seventh, do a good job in political ideology and communication. This revolution affects people, every official and citizen. The merger changes the names of villages and communes, makes commuting longer... directly impacting people's lives.
Therefore, ideological work must come first to create understanding and sharing from within the Party to the people. Cadres and Party members must realize that: Working is a duty, and retiring to streamline the system is also a duty.
Effective ideological work is essential to achieving consensus. The press and media have played a crucial role in this task.
Eighth, there must be a policy of "attracting and retaining talented individuals." Streamlining the apparatus on a large scale requires that while the size of the apparatus decreases, the capacity and quality of the workforce must increase. Therefore, alongside downsizing the workforce, there must be a policy to attract and select talented individuals with a spirit of dedication.
Ultimately, people remain the decisive factor in the effectiveness of the government apparatus. As the ancients taught, "Talented people are the lifeblood of the nation," to cultivate talent, we must revitalize education and implement policies to value and retain truly talented individuals.
Ninth, perfecting institutions and laws must precede and pave the way. The Party's policies must be immediately institutionalized through legislation. The National Assembly has amended the Constitution, the Laws on the Organization of the National Assembly, the Government, and local authorities... The Government has drafted a series of decrees.
This legal system provides a solid legal framework for the revolution to take place within the framework of a rule of law state. The established institutions also facilitate the allocation of resources for implementation. Although the initial operation under the new system may not be perfect, we accept this reality and continuously strive to improve it to better suit practical needs.
Tenth, invest resources appropriately and strategically. Large-scale projects like this require significant resources, but it's crucial to know where to invest. The lesson is to prioritize, investing scientifically and systematically in clearly defined areas. One of those priorities is investing in digital infrastructure to build a digital society and a digital government.
Thanks to this well-directed investment, we have achieved impressive results in recent times: the majority of people's administrative procedures have been handled digitally. This is a major step forward in building an e-government and better serving the people.
* The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam faced numerous difficulties and challenges, yet we overcame them and achieved unprecedented successes. These results were made possible thanks to the decisive and wise leadership and guidance of the Party. As a member of the Politburo, could the Deputy Prime Minister please explain how the Party's leading role was demonstrated in creating consensus and spreading that spirit of determination throughout the entire political system and society to achieve this success?
- I completely agree and deeply share this assessment. As someone directly involved in the decision-making of the Central Committee and the Politburo during this turbulent term, I deeply understand the truth that: All victories of the Vietnamese revolution, from the glorious triumphs in history to the breakthrough achievements of today, originate from the wise and skillful leadership of the Party.
The Party's "leading role" during this historical period is clearly demonstrated in three core aspects:
Firstly, regarding thinking and direction: The Party has demonstrated a superior strategic vision, reflecting the stature of the times. To prepare the country for a "new era"—an era of national progress—the Party has not merely addressed immediate issues. The Party has made significant shifts in its thinking, approaching the advanced governance standards of the world.
The recent decision to carry out a revolution in the organizational structure is the clearest evidence of this. It is the culmination of innovative thinking, daring to look directly at the truth, and courageously eliminating outdated and backward practices to build a prosperous future.
Without the Party's foresight and unwavering political resolve, we would hardly have been able to formulate such historically significant and groundbreaking policies.
Secondly, regarding the implementation methods and new elements: This is a special highlight of this term. The Party's pivotal role is not only in issuing wise resolutions, but also in decisive action, "saying what you mean and doing what you say." We have witnessed a fundamental change in approach: the Central Committee sets the example first, and all levels follow; ensuring thoroughness at every step.
The recent widespread social consensus and positive impact stemmed from the decisive actions and exemplary conduct of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. In particular, the role of General Secretary To Lam – the "chief architect" – cannot be overlooked. He has strongly inspired, guided, and maintained the flame of determination throughout the entire system.
Thirdly, it requires unwavering resolve in the face of difficulties and challenges . The current context demands that the Party's leading role be affirmed more strongly than ever before.
We are not only under pressure to achieve high double-digit growth to realize the aspiration of a "wealthy people, strong nation," leading the country to prosperous and powerful development, and ensuring the people's well-being and happiness; but we also constantly and continuously face unexpected situations in a volatile and unpredictable world.
These include extreme natural disasters, unprecedented epidemics, or rapid and unpredictable global political upheavals.
All these factors directly impact, day by day, hour by hour, every aspect of the country's political and social life, creating an urgent need for the Party's leadership to be truly steadfast.
The Party's calmness, wisdom, and decisiveness are the foundation of unwavering trust, uniting the people and transforming challenges into opportunities. The Party is truly the capable helmsman, the decisive core of all victories, leading the country through obstacles and challenges to confidently move forward and soar into a new era.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sap-xep-lai-giang-son-tu-duy-chien-luoc-va-tam-nhin-vuot-thoi-gian-20251212094314233.htm
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