The Government Electronic Information Portal had a frank discussion with Comrade Nguyen Hoa Binh, Politburo member, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of the Government. Through the lens of an insider, dry numbers suddenly become soulful, containing a whole strategic mindset, courage to look straight at the truth and above all, a heart for the people, for the country.
Dear Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, looking back at the upcoming term, public opinion assessed that one of the most outstanding marks in the 13th National Party Congress term was the successful implementation of the revolution of streamlining the apparatus in the entire political system. Can the Deputy Prime Minister generalise the outstanding results after nearly a year of operating under the new organizational model?
Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh: As journalists and public opinion assessed, implementing Resolution 18 of the Central Executive Committee, we have truly carried out an organizational revolution. People call this a "rearrangement of the mountain goose". I think that calling is very visual and accurate. This is not only the mechanical integration of administrative units, but is truly a revolution with many goals, unprecedented, marking a new historical period and creating a solid foundation for the era of prosperous development of the country.
I have had the opportunity to interact with many international leaders and experts, and they all admit that: Not every country can do this revolution and in fact, not many countries can do it. After nearly a year of operation, although there are still difficulties in the early days of "not being straight on the plow", we can confirm the 10 major results achieved as follows:
First, create a space for open economic development. The rearrangement of administrative units has maximized the strengths of each economic zone. We have created large-scale urban areas, typically Ho Chi Minh City - a super-urban with a current economic scale equivalent to many large cities in the world, competitive enough to be on par with the international market. Many localities previously faced difficulties due to the terrain being divided, simply as mountainous areas such as the Central Highlands, but now through the arrangement, there are seas, creating a connection between the marine economy and the mountainous economy. The first and important result is the harmonious combination of advantages of economic regions: Plains with mountains, marine economy with forest economy, so the strengths and development space of the country have been optimized and promoted.
Second, thoroughly cut unreasonable intermediaries. We have resolutely eliminated the intermediate levels that have existed for many years. reality has shown that many departments, branches, general departments and even district levels are effectively intermediary focal points - places where the capacity to plan policy mechanisms does not come, and direct service to people is not close. Therefore, cutting is an inevitable requirement. In fact, we have recently 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, reduced more than 1,000 departments, branches and more than 4,400 branches at the same level, helping the apparatus operate more smoothly.
Third, the political system apparatus is organized scientifically, streamlined, effective and efficient. This revolution not only took place in the Government but also encompassed the entire political system, from the Party, the National Assembly, the armed forces to the Fatherland Front. Agencies and focal points with similar functions and tasks have been merged to streamline and operate more effectively. For example, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Department of Mass Mobilization and Propaganda - when the functions of propaganda, mobilization and gathering the People are intertwined, we have reorganized scientifically to avoid overlap and maximize resources.
Fourth, sharply reduce staffing associated with improving team quality. This is an goal we have strived for over many terms, but the progress is still slow, and now we have achieved breakthrough results. Through this arrangement, the entire system from the central to local levels has reduced about 145,000 positions. This creates a valuable opportunity to screen the team; resolve appropriate policies, and encourage comrades with limited health and abilities or older age to retire. This is also a meaningful transfer of generations, when the previous generation is willing to step back to give space and development opportunities to the young, talented generation of cadres, who are regularly and systematically trained to contribute and shoulder the responsibility of developing the country in the new era.
Fifth, save large budget resources to invest in social security. For many years, we have wanted to reform salaries but have been entangled in a cumbersome apparatus with large payroll. The implementation of Resolution 18 helps reduce the apparatus, estimated to save about VND39,000 billion in regular expenditure per year. This resource is mobilized for social security, better caring for the people. Immediately after streamlining the payroll, the Politburo decided to use this source and combine it with other state budget resources such as increasing revenue, saving spending... to exempt tuition fees, build border schools, improve medical capacity... Total spending on social security in the past term has reached more than 1 million billion VND, demonstrating the superiority of this policy.
Sixth, build a government close to the people, serve the people better. This is also the noble goal of the organizational revolution. For the first time, at the grassroots level (commune, ward), we have organized administrative centers with modern equipment and high-tech application. Previously, at the district level, it was far away, at the commune level, capacity was limited, now we have sent professional staff to the commune, setting higher requirements for local governance and serving the people. As a result, the service capacity of the grassroots government has been significantly improved, better meeting the needs of the people.
Seventh, creating a mandatory driving force to promote digital transformation. Reorganizing the apparatus is a strong boost for digital transformation. To serve the people well, build an administrative system regardless of boundaries, operate 24/7, the only way is to digitize. This is a condition that "persperspers" all levels of government from the central to the grassroots level to resolutely implement digital transformation to improve the efficiency of serving the people and adapt to the new governance model.
Eighth, strengthen the great national unity bloc. In a new administrative unit, we combine the lowlands and uplands, coastal areas and plain areas. This arrangement creates conditions for economic regions to have strengths to share and support more disadvantaged regions. The responsibility of the Party organization and local government is to shorten the development gap, thereby consolidating and strengthening the increasingly strong national solidarity bloc.
Ninth, enhance national defense and security potential. Sending regular police to the commune helps grasp the situation, resolve conflicts right from the grassroots, and protect a peaceful life for the people. At the same time, reorganizing the military force into new administrative units also contributes to increasing defense potential, improving defense capacity and firmly protecting the sovereignty of the Fatherland.
Tenth, improving national competitiveness. Overall, when each commune and province strengthens with an open economy and mutual support, it will create a combined strength for the entire economy. The resonance of strength from localities after the reorganization is the foundation for improving the country's position and competitiveness in the international arena.
Of course, "a difficult start", in the first days of operation, it is inevitable that there will be disruptions and inadequacies. But looking at the general trend that the situation is gradually improving and the satisfaction index of the people is increasing, we have the right to believe in the future. This is the motivation to continue to strive, overcome challenges, and make the apparatus operate more smoothly and effectively for the purpose of serving the people and developing the country.
The "painted giang" revolution is a very difficult task. However, this time, in a short time, it has been carried out from the central to local levels. To solve this difficult, sensitive and unprecedented problem in such a short time, how did we have to overcome ourselves? And what are the lessons learned?
Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh: This is a good question, touching on our most urgent concerns. This success does not come naturally, it is exchanged for sweat, effort and even the sacrifice of private rights. From that lively and hard-working practice, there are 10 great lessons that have been drawn to not only implement this policy but also many other policies.
First, there must be a strategic thinking and a vision beyond time. To carry out such a big revolution, it requires superior vision and thinking; it is necessary to bravely abandon the old things that have existed for many years. In reality, although old models have been effective, in the new era, they have revealed inadequacies. Therefore, we need a comprehensive, breakthrough, and long-term governance mindset to be successful.
Second, put the interests of the country and the people first. When deciding on a major policy, this is the ultimate principle. Although this lesson is not new, it is extremely meaningful in this situation. Everyone has a affection for their homeland, everyone wants their homeland to become a central urban area and wants to keep their commune name, district name, and provincial name. But if the headquarters is not placed above and the common interests of the country are not seen, it will not be possible to succeed. We must take the service of the people as the center, as a measure, then we can organize a truly close government apparatus, serving the people as it is today.
Third, stick to reality, frankly look straight at limitations to bravely overcome them. Our organizational system has existed for 70-80 years and has been effective. However, entering the new phase, many shortcomings have been revealed. For example, there are things where 2-3 agencies have the same functions and tasks; many organizations are actually intermediaries, creating more levels. Many general departments, offices, offices, departments... make the apparatus cumbersome. Therefore, the lesson is to boldly identify, face these challenges and limitations and bravely eliminate them to succeed. If we still respect, avoid, and calculate local benefits, it will be difficult to overcome weakness that has existed for many years.
Fourth, there must be very high political determination and drastic action. To carry out a revolution that not every country can do, high determination must start from the highest authorities: the Central Executive Committee, the Politburo, the National Assembly, the Government... Action must be truly drastic; hesitation, measurement, and calculation will miss opportunities. During the peak period, the Politburo and the Government held weekly meetings to review work and urge implementation. This approach is a new point: Do it from top to bottom, the Central Government is an example to follow below, the entire political system takes action. This has overcome the limitation of "correct policies but weak implementation" that has existed for many years.
Fifth, promote the strength of great solidarity and create widespread consensus. Faced with difficult and sensitive tasks, the biggest lesson is to maintain solidarity within the Party, in the political system and the People. The community must be responsible. In reality, this is a policy that has been greatly supported by the People since its promulgation. It can be said that the revolution has affirmed the people's trust in the Party, the people are very confident and unanimously supporting.
Sixth, absolutely comply with the leadership of the Party and discipline and order. When there is a correct policy, it must be strictly followed, spoken and done according to the Resolution, according to the law. Leaders often say "there is a counter-attack". If each place does the same thing and does not follow the same direction, it will fail. Therefore, complying with the Party's discipline in ensuring progress and completing tasks on time is a blood lesson.
Seventh, do a good job of political and ideological work and communication. This revolution has touched people, every civil servant and people. The merger changes the village name, commune name, road to work further... directly affecting life. Therefore, ideological work must go first to create understanding and sharing from within the Party to outside the People. Cadres and party members must realize that: Working is a task, and leaving the regime to streamline the apparatus is also a task. We must do a good job of ideological work to create consensus. In carrying out this task, the press and media have played a very important role.
Eighth, there must be a policy of " beginning treatment". Streamlining the apparatus in large quantities requires: The apparatus is reduced but the capacity and quality of the team must increase. Therefore, in parallel with streamlining the payroll, there must be policies to attract and select talents with a spirit of dedication. After all, people are still the factor that determines the effectiveness of the government apparatus. As the ancients taught, "talent is the national constant", to have talent, one must promote education and have a policy of promotion, retaining real talent.
Ninth, perfecting institutions and laws must go first to pave the way. The Party's policies must be institutionalized immediately by law. The National Assembly amends the Constitution, the Laws on the Organization of the National Assembly, the Government, local governments, etc. The Government has issued a series of decrees. This legal system creates a solid legal corridor for the revolution to take place within the framework of the rule of law state. Forward institutions also help arrange resources for implementation. Although the first days of operating under the new regulations could not be perfected immediately, we accept that reality to continuously improve it to get closer to reality.
Ten is, invest resources appropriately, with a key focus. Doing a big job like this requires a lot of resources, but the important thing is to know where to invest. Lessons must have a priority order, invest science and method in clear "addresses". One of those priorities is to invest in digital infrastructure to build a digital society and digital government. Thanks to this direct investment, we have achieved impressive results in recent times: most of the people's need to solve administrative procedures has been solved on digital platforms. This is a big step forward in building e-Government, serving the people better.
Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh visited and worked with Duc Trong commune (Lam Dong province) on the organization and operation of the Public Administration Service Center on June 30, 2025
The 13th Congress term is in the context of many difficulties and challenges, but we have overcome them and achieved unprecedented achievements. That result was achieved thanks to the strong and wise leadership and direction of the Party. As a Politburo member, would you like to tell the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister how the Party's core leadership role has been demonstrated to create consensus and spread that determination in the entire political system as well as the whole society to make a success?
Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh: I completely agree and deeply share this assessment. As a person who directly participated in the decisions of the Central and the Politburo during this turbulent term, I am even more assured of the truth: All victories of the Vietnamese revolution, from the heroic victories in history to today's breakthrough achievements, all originate from the wise and talented leadership of the Party.
The role of the Party's "leadership core" in this historical period is clearly demonstrated in three core aspects:
First, in terms of thinking and guidelines: The Party has demonstrated a superior strategic vision, of the times. To prepare the country for entering a "new era" - the era of national growth - the Party does not stop at solving immediate problems. The Party has made strong changes in thinking, approaching the level of advanced governance in the world. The recent decision to carry out the organizational revolution is the clearest proof. That is the crystallization of an innovative mindset, daring to look straight at the truth, courageously eliminating the old and backward things to create a prosperous future. Without the Party's vision and strong political will, it would be difficult for us to make such turning point historical policies.
Second, regarding the implementation method and new factors: This is a special highlight of this term. The core role of the Party is not only in issuing wise resolutions, but also expressed in drastic actions, " saying goes hand in hand". We have witnessed a fundamental innovation in the way of doing things: The Central Government sets an example, all levels follow; do it for sure. The recent great spread and consensus in society originated from the determination and exemplary action of the Central Executive Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. In particular, it is impossible not to mention the role of General Secretary To Lam - "General Master" who has strongly inspired, guided the path and maintained the fire of determination for the entire system.
Third, it is a strong will in the face of difficulties and challenges. The current context requires the Party's core leadership role to be affirmed more strongly than ever. We are not only under pressure to grow at double digits to realize the aspiration of "rich people, strong country", to develop the country prosperously, strongly, and the people are prosperous and happy; but also have to regularly and continuously face unexpected situations in a world full of change and unpredictability. These are extreme natural disasters, unprecedented epidemics, or rapid and unpredictable changes in world politics.
All of these factors directly, daily, every hour affect all aspects of the country's political and social life, posing an urgent requirement, requiring the Party's "rooster" to be truly steadfast. It is the calmness, judgment and determination of the Party that is a solid foundation of confidence, helping to gather the people's hearts, turning challenges into opportunities. The Party is truly the guiding force, the core that determines all victories, bringing the country overcoming thorns and challenges to steadfastly step forward and take off into the new era.
would like to express my sincere thanks to the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister for this meaningful conversation!
