This opens a period of strict screening - where the payroll is no longer "for everyone", but is a "playground" for the elite.
Will review job positions and workload
The Ministry of Home Affairs is being assigned to preside over the drafting of 3 Decrees including: Decree regulating the assessment and classification of civil servant quality (to be completed before January 1, 2026); Decree regulating civil servant job positions (to be completed in 2026) and Decree regulating standards for civil servant titles of leadership and management in State administrative agencies (to be completed before December 31, 2025).
Mr. Phan Trung Tuan - Director of the Department of Local Government, Ministry of Home Affairs said that for now, the staff and civil servants will basically be kept intact to carry out tasks in the area.
In the coming time, the Ministry of Home Affairs will advise the Government and coordinate with the Central Organizing Committee to re-determ the job position and workload, thereby developing criteria and standards for limiting the number of cadres and civil servants suitable for both the provincial and grassroots levels. These proposals will be reported to the Politburo for consideration and decision.
Mr. Tuan also affirmed that the two-level local government model is a correct policy of the Party and State and although it has only been initially implemented, the practical effectiveness is clear. However, for the operating model to be stable and sustainable, there needs to be a synchronous participation of the entire political system.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to closely follow reality, promptly synthesize difficulties and problems to report to the Government and competent authorities for consideration and resolution. The goal is to ensure the two-level government model operates effectively, best serving people and businesses" - Mr. Phan Trung Tuan emphasized.
The "playground" of the elite
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang, Senior Lecturer at the International Institute of Trade and Economics (National Economics University) commented that after streamlining the apparatus, job opportunities in the State apparatus will certainly decrease, but not be completely lost. The work is only for those who are truly capable, have enough qualities, skills and the ability to adapt to the new model. In other words, this is a "playground" for the elite.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang analyzed that current commune officials cannot just work in the style of "allotment - reporting - waiting for instructions". They need to have a synthetic mindset, interdisciplinary understanding, the ability to handle situations, work independently and proactively make quick decisions.
Previously, the commune cadres only carried out the work, while the district was the one who handled it. Now, if the district level leaves, the commune must take on the role of the district. In reality, many cadres used to work in communes, then went to districts, and then returned to communes. They know the area well and are familiar with the job, so if they know how to promote, this will be a huge advantage.
Mr. Lang analyzed that streamlining the apparatus means that the number of people is small, but there is more work. The labor rate has decreased by half, salaries may have to double, otherwise they will not be able to retain good people.
Even with key positions such as high technology, strategic fields, and national security, income can be dozens of times higher than normal salary. Along with the requirements for high work quality, I think that there is a great need for preferential policies on promotion and social security for workers and their families. Because if there is no superior policy compared to before, talent will leave the public sector" - Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang shared.
