As a close collaborator of Lao Dong Newspaper for many years, I have had the opportunity to closely monitor and directly contribute my voice to policy flows through the newspaper's criticism channel - a vibrant, democratic and fully responsible forum for social responsibility. Looking back on that journey, I see more clearly the special role of Lao Dong not only as a news report, but as a companion in the process of planning, adjusting and implementing public policies.
Lao Dong Newspaper - from trade union journalism to policy forum
Founded in 1929, in the boiling revolutionary flow and the struggle for class liberation, Lao Dong Newspaper carries the mission of pioneering in protecting the rights of workers - the largest and key force of the economy. But not stopping at the role of representing the voice of the trade union, Lao Dong gradually affirmed its position as one of the sharp and prestigious political newspapers in reflecting social concerns, detecting policy shortcomings and proposing constructive solutions.
In the context of innovation and integration, especially after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the role of the press in criticizing policies has become more urgent than ever. At this time, Lao Dong Newspaper has chosen a clear direction not only to reflect, but also to propose, not only to raise problems, but also to analyze and propose specific solutions. That is the big difference between pure information journalism and critical journalism - and Lao Dong has done this steadfastly, methodically and bravely.
When criticizing policies, it is not just " Talking directly", but "talking accurately" and "talking at the right time"
In more than two decades of working with Lao Dong, I have always clearly felt the spirit of openness to learn, respect academics and the desire to accompany experts to create works of practical criticism. The newspaper does not limit experts in the interview, but encourages writing analysis, arguments, with evidence, data, personal perspective and willingness to accept differences.
In particular, in times of economic difficulties - such as the financial crisis 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic or the period of inflation, gasoline prices fluctuated strongly in recent years - Lao Dong Newspaper is one of the pioneering newspapers opening pages and columns on economic policies for independent researchers and experts to reflect the current situation, propose solutions to control prices, improve macro- governance, promote public spending efficiency, support workers and businesses to overcome difficulties.
I still clearly remember the series of articles on gasoline price management that I had the opportunity to write in Lao Dong, in which I clearly analyzed the lack of transparency in the operating mechanism, market monopoly risks and proposed reforming the price stabilization fund. These opinions were later not only accepted in public opinion, but also spread to management agencies and contributed to promoting the amendment of related documents, such as Decree 83 and then Decree 95.
Bringing the voice of workers into the "differentiation" policy of Lao Dong
What I especially appreciate in Lao Dong is that the newspaper does not simply criticize from a macro perspective, but always closely connects with the voice of workers - the subjects directly affected by the policy. When writing for Lao Dong, I always try to put myself in the position of people, workers, retirees - those who will feel the most clearly the changes in salary policy, insurance, electricity price, drug price, social allowance...
Thanks to the connection between expert criticism and the grassroots voice, Lao Dong has created touching articles, making policies no longer cold lines, but become stories of life and life. A good policy is not only reasonable, but also needs to be imbued with the spirit of humanity and understanding. And journalism is the bridge to bring that spirit into policy.
From criticism to enforcement supervision - the expanding role of modern journalism
Policy criticism does not stop at the drafting stage, but continues throughout the implementation process. A correct policy, if not implemented transparently and synchronously, can cause disturbances and counterproduction. For many years, Lao Dong has persistently pursued issues of budget expenditure supervision, salary reform, public financial transparency, implementation of economic recovery support packages after COVID-19... In particular, the investigation articles and reports reflecting the slow disbursement of public investment, loss of State investment capital, the situation of "project management", "group interests" in land policies, planning... have shown the courage of a newspaper committed to the public interest. Those articles do not stop at the wake-up call, but also make an important contribution to the process of correcting errors, holding accountable and promoting institutional innovation.
Responsibility in the new era - constructive criticism, suggestion and creation
Entering the digital transformation era, traditional journalism faces a fierce competition challenge with social networks and multimedia platforms. But it is in that challenge that the role of policy critic is even more necessary for mainstream press to be responsible and have professional standards. Because criticism is not an attack or shock, but a contribution of intelligence and creativity.
Lao Dong, in that journey, has constantly transformed itself to adapt to the development of electronic newspapers, connect with digital platforms, and expand expert forums - in which I am honored to accompany. Topics such as financial institution restructuring in energy transition, the new State-owned Enterprise Law, public governance innovation and effective salary policies... are all approached by newspapers in a multidimensional manner, constantly updated and listened to the opinions of scholars, planners and people.
A sincere thank you and future expectations
I hope that in the coming time, Lao Dong Newspaper will continue to be a "pioneer" in policy criticism, promoting reform, protecting workers' rights and contributing to shaping a healthy, fair and humane market economy. With nearly a century of tradition, with a team of enthusiasm and aspiration for innovation, I am confident that: Lao Dong will continue to be a forum for intelligence, courage and responsibility - a place to spread the voice of policy-making for a sustainable and inclusive Vietnam.
