On October 18, 2025, Vietnam's Politburo unveiled Regulation 377, a sweeping new set of rules governing the management, appointment, reappointment, and discipline of high-level cadres. The regulation, which arrives amid ongoing efforts to modernize Vietnam's political system, clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Politburo and Secretariat in an era marked by increasing scrutiny of public officials and a drive for greater transparency.
According to VOV.VN, Regulation 377 details the Politburo's authority over a broad array of personnel matters—ranging from the preparation and introduction of candidates for top leadership positions to the power to discipline and remove officials from office. The Politburo holds the final say on key policy decisions related to cadres and personnel, in line with the working regime of the Central Executive Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat.
The regulation outlines the Politburo's central role in preparing and recommending personnel for the Central Executive Committee to consider when electing the General Secretary, Politburo, Secretariat, Central Inspection Committee, and the Chairperson of that committee. Additionally, the Politburo is responsible for introducing personnel for the National Assembly's consideration in electing the President, Prime Minister, and National Assembly Chairperson. This process ensures that top leadership positions remain under the careful guidance and vetting of the Party's highest authorities.
But the Politburo's reach extends further. According to the new rules, it also prepares and introduces candidates for other critical positions, including Vice President, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, and the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy. Before these nominations are finalized, the Politburo must seek input from the Central Executive Committee, reinforcing the principle of collective leadership within the Party.
Disciplinary authority is another area where the Politburo’s powers are clearly defined. The body can discipline cadres and manage all cadre-related work within the Central Party's jurisdiction, including assigning work to members of the Politburo and Secretariat. This includes the ability to suspend, dismiss, or remove officials from the planning list, as well as the power to reward or discipline according to established policies.
Delegation is a key feature of the new regulation. The Politburo can authorize the President, Prime Minister, National Assembly Chairperson, and the Permanent Secretariat to consider and decide on personnel matters within their respective fields. This delegation is designed to streamline decision-making and ensure that the management of cadres is both responsive and efficient. However, for major appointments—especially those involving the highest offices—the Politburo retains ultimate oversight, ensuring that strategic direction remains firmly in Party hands.
In terms of career progression, the Politburo now oversees the entire spectrum: evaluation, planning, training, appointment, reappointment, designation, transfer, rotation, specialization, promotion, demotion, temporary suspension, cessation of duties, resignation, dismissal, removal from planning lists, rewards, discipline, and implementation of policies for cadres under its jurisdiction. Notably, the Politburo also manages reappointment and retirement regimes for cadres, with the exception of Central Party members, according to VOV.VN.
As reported by VietnamNet, the process for reappointing or reintroducing cadres is now more structured than ever. Cadres whose appointment term has ended and who have completed their duties satisfactorily, meet reappointment criteria, and are healthy enough to continue, can be evaluated for reappointment. At least 90 days before the end of a cadre’s term, the relevant authority must notify them to begin preparing the necessary procedures for reappointment.
But the new regulation doesn’t just focus on the mechanics of promotion. It also establishes clear grounds for early dismissal or replacement. If a cadre’s health fails, their reputation diminishes, they do not complete assigned tasks, or they violate Party or State discipline, they can be replaced, dismissed, or relieved of duty before their term ends. These provisions are designed to ensure that only the most competent and trustworthy officials remain in critical posts.
Reappointment or reintroduction must comply with Party regulations, State laws, and the rules of relevant organizations, such as the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other political-social bodies. The regulation makes it clear that the same level of authority that appointed or introduced a cadre must also handle their reappointment or reintroduction. If a cadre is not eligible for reappointment, the case is reported to the competent authority for further consideration and decision.
For those nearing retirement age, the rules are nuanced. If a leader or manager has at least two years of service left before retirement, the standard reappointment process applies. If less than two years remain, the decision falls to the head and leadership collective, who must discuss and vote on whether to extend the cadre’s tenure. Should the cadre remain healthy, reputable, and able to meet job requirements, a secret ballot is conducted, and if the majority agrees, the term can be extended until retirement age without repeating the full reappointment process.
The reappointment process itself is rigorous. First, the cadre must submit a self-assessment report detailing their performance during their term. Next, the core leadership collective of the local authority, agency, or unit discusses and votes—by secret ballot—on whether to propose reappointment or reintroduction. The process mirrors the procedures used for initial appointments and candidate introductions. The head of the relevant body evaluates the cadre and makes a recommendation, after which the leadership collective votes again. If the candidate receives more than 50% approval from both the core leadership and the broader leadership collective, their case is submitted to the competent authority for a final decision. If approval is exactly 50%, the head of the body decides; if less than 50%, the case is reported to higher authorities for review.
Delegation of authority is again emphasized: the Politburo and Secretariat can authorize the President, Prime Minister, and National Assembly Chairperson to consider and decide on reappointments within their management scope. For cadres working in Party organs or central agencies, the Standing Secretariat is empowered to handle reappointments. If a cadre is not reappointed or reintroduced, they may be assigned to a different position, but not one that is higher, more important, or equivalent in rank to their previous post.
These changes reflect Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to professionalize and depoliticize the management of high-level officials, while maintaining the Party’s overall control. By establishing transparent procedures and clear lines of authority, the new regulation aims to boost public trust, encourage accountability, and ensure that only the most qualified and committed individuals serve at the highest levels of government.
The introduction of Regulation 377 marks a significant step in Vietnam’s political evolution. As the country faces new challenges both at home and abroad, the ability to manage and renew its leadership cadre effectively will be crucial in maintaining stability and driving continued development.