(VOVWORLD) - The restructuring and streamlining of the state apparatus is being vigorously implemented from the central to the local level. Many officials from central to grassroots level have requested early retirement. The reform efforts within ministries, departments, and local governments demonstrate strong consensus and support in the political system.
 At the ceremony to present the decisions on early retirement for officers at the Dong Nai Provincial Police (Photo: VGP) |
Widespread responsiveness to streamlining policies
In response to the Party resolution on reorganizing the political system for greater efficiency, officials and civil servants at all levels in Ha Tinh province have volunteered to take early retirement. A provincial resolution has been introduced to provide financial support to individuals affected by downsizing. This has accelerated the restructuring.
300 senior officials in Dong Thap province have chosen early retirement, and a similar number in Vinh Phuc province, including the Head of the provincial Party Committee’s Communication and Education Department and the Secretary of the Phuc Yen municipal Party Committee.
At its just-concluded 9th extraordinary session, the 15th National Assembly passed several critical legislative amendments to the Law on Government Organization, the Law on Local Government Organization, the Law on National Assembly Organization, and some resolutions on apparatus restructuring at the National Assembly and the Government. These legal reforms are a significant milestone in the nationwide effort to streamline the political system.
 General Secretary To Lam speaks at a discussion during the 9th extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly. (Photo: VOV) |
At a discussion during the NA’s 9th extraordinary meeting, Party General Secretary To Lam said: "The Party’s guideline on restructuring the apparatus has received strong support and swift implementation by the National Assembly and agencies. It’s a wise policy that meets people’s long-time expectations. The streamlining is aimed at saving money, but its primary goal is to drive national development by making the state apparatus more effective and efficient."
Government agencies are swiftly adapting to the new organizational models. Merged agencies are ensuring continuity by reassigning the responsibilities of previous agencies without disrupting their functions and quickly developing new operational rules for their new roles that will ensure a smooth execution of their mandate.
 Associate Professor, Dr. Le Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Party Building, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. (Photo: baophapluat.vn) |
Continuing to streamline the apparatus
Initial achievements have been driven by the strong political will of the leaders, particularly Party leader To Lam. Reflecting on the reform process, the Party Central Committee introduced Resolution 18 in 2017 to streamline and reorganize the political apparatus. After seven years, the results have fallen short of expectations. Recognizing this, the Party is now pushing forward with renewed determination and more decisive implementation.
Building on previous successes, the Politburo and the Secretariat have issued a Conclusion outlining key tasks for 2025, focused on studying the feasibility of eliminating district-level administrations, restructuring commune-level administrations, and merging some provincial-level administrative agencies.
Under the Conclusion, the Politburo will organize 19 inspection teams tasked with overseeing the restructuring process, ensuring that enough competent cadres are retained to prevent "brain drain."
Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Party Building at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said: "Streamlining the apparatus doesn’t just mean reducing the number of positions. It means improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. We should distinguish between streamlining and downsizing because our aim is not simply to reduce staff based on quotas but to create a highly capable and motivated workforce. Each locality must establish clear rules for identifying and retaining talent to ensure that restructuring enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the apparatus."
The ongoing streamlining of the political system is seen as a revolution. Vietnam is making decisive strides toward a modern, efficient governance structure that’s better equipped to meet the demands of future development.