General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong at a meeting with voters.

The public has seen resolute engagement of the Party and the entire political system, especially Party Committees, and heads of agencies in preventing and combating corruption through the prosecution and trial of major cases.  The moves have strengthened the role and credibility of the Party.

Reflecting public aspiration

At meetings prior to the 5^th session of the 14^th National Assembly, voters in Hanoi told Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong that they applauded the Party’s efforts in fighting both corruption and waste. They said anti-corruption outcomes have fostered public trust in the Party and regime.

Nguyen Vy Yen said: “Voters hail the role of the Party General Secretary and the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission for reflecting the public’s feelings and aspirations to fight corruption to strengthen the Party and protect the regime. Voters hope that the drive will be pushed forward more aggressively. All cases will be dealt with promptly, transparently, and strictly to deter and prevent corruption, purify the apparatus, and confiscate public assets.”

Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong told voters that anti-corruption work has obtained results and live up to people’s expectation.  Thanks to the public’s encouragement and support.

Promoting the whole system’s role

Mr. Trong said despite obstacles and complications, no one should stand aside the fight against corruption. He underscored the preference for prevention over combat: We not only fight but also prevent and build in the long run. Fighting is urgent and should be carried out drastically. But we don’t just fight when things already happened. We have to take preventive measures. Strong punishments are not always good. Violators must realize their wrongdoings and correct them. We aim to take back corrupted assets and win people’s heart.”"

Party leader Trong highlighted the oversight role at the grassroots level so that the whole political system is involved in anti-corruption drive. “Anti-corruption work should combine the implementation of resolutions of the Party Central Committee on other issues like downsizing personnel, reforming salary and social insurance policy, and improving the apparatus. There are many things to be done alongside arrests and trials.”

Major corruption cases have been effectively handled but small cases have continued to destroy the apparatus and cause distrust among some Party members and people. Mr. Trong said anti-corruption drive will be more aggressive at communal levels.