On the morning of July 1, 2025, a significant transformation took place in Vietnam’s local governance landscape, marking the official transition from a three-level to a two-level local government system—a structure that had been in place for 80 years since the country's founding. This sweeping reform, aimed at streamlining administrative processes and enhancing government efficiency, was felt nationwide, with notable developments in both Phu Tho province and the capital city, Hanoi.
In Phu Tho, the newly formed Lien Son commune became a vivid example of this change in action. From July 1, three administrative units—Cu Yen, the old Lien Son, and 12 hamlets of Cao Son—were merged to create a single, expansive commune covering over 120 square kilometers and home to nearly 32,000 residents. This merger positioned Lien Son as one of the largest communes in the province both in terms of area and population.
Despite the complexity of integrating these units, the first day of operation at Lien Son’s administrative offices was marked by remarkable efficiency. At the old Cu Yen commune office, hundreds of residents arrived to process a variety of administrative tasks, including loan confirmations, poverty status certifications, and document authentications. Impressively, despite the workload nearly tripling, the administrative procedures ran smoothly without delays or bottlenecks.
Preparations for this transition had begun well in advance. Starting mid-June, Lien Son’s leadership organized meetings to announce the new administrative structure, divided work among party, government, and mass organization sectors, and assigned responsibilities clearly. A critical step was the installation and testing of the public administration network, which began on June 25. After five days of trial operations, officials convened to discuss challenges ranging from document handling glitches to overlapping duties and even minor but impactful issues like shared office equipment and internal network problems.
One of the most pressing challenges for Lien Son was infrastructure. The new government apparatus operates temporarily from two separate locations nearly eight kilometers apart: the People's Committee office at old Cu Yen and the Party Committee office at old Cao Son. Nearly 60 government officials work at the former, while over 40 party and mass organization staff are based at the latter. This arrangement has imposed long commutes on many, including Bui Huu Vinh, a party construction specialist, who travels over 20 kilometers daily. Others, like Hoang Thi Thuy from the Women's Union and Hoang Van Thanh from the Farmers' Association, share similar challenges. Yet, all remain committed to the merger’s success, recognizing it as a major policy initiative worth the sacrifice.
Gradually, the new administrative machinery is stabilizing. Clear workflows, well-defined task assignments, and coordinated schedules between the two offices have been established. The management software for document handling is regularly updated, ensuring smooth communication and operations. Officials have adapted quickly, embracing the broader scope and higher professional demands of the new governance model.
At the Public Administration Center, the increased volume of citizens has been met with dedicated service. Mr. Hoang Van Vien from Gien Xa hamlet expressed his confidence, saying, "I see the procedures are clear, and the staff guide us attentively. Initially, people were worried about the merger, but seeing such well-organized operations, I believe the new system will function effectively and serve the people better." Such positive feedback energizes the commune’s leadership to continue refining their processes.
Meanwhile, in Hanoi, the capital city also embraced this historic reform. From June 20 to June 26, the city piloted the two-level local government system across 126 newly formed communes and wards. The trial revealed many challenges, but the dedication of the officials ensured smooth operation. By June 27, Hanoi’s Department of Home Affairs had issued official seals for the People's Councils and People's Committees of these new administrative units, with instructions to begin using them from July 1.
Support teams from Hanoi’s Party Committee, People's Committee, and various departments closely monitored the grassroots level, providing guidance and resolving issues swiftly. This hands-on approach laid a solid foundation for the new two-level system to function seamlessly from day one.
One of the most notable examples in Hanoi is Dai Mo ward, officially launched on July 1. Formed by merging large parts of several wards—including Dai Mo, Trung Van, Phu Do, Me Tri, Mo Lao, Duong Noi, Trung Hoa, and Nhan Chinh—Dai Mo is set to become a model of urban governance under the new system. Mai Trong Thai, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Dai Mo, emphasized the need for a mindset shift among officials to meet the higher demands of this model. He outlined three key priorities: developing green urban spaces, enhancing information technology applications in urban management, and building smart technical infrastructure to improve residents' quality of life.
Leaders from other newly formed wards, such as Ha Dong and Duong Noi, echoed this commitment, pledging unity and determination to serve their communities effectively. Similarly, Nguyen Hoang Truong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Hoai Duc commune, reaffirmed the collective resolve to successfully implement political tasks and foster local development.
These local efforts align with the national vision articulated by General Secretary To Lam during a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on June 30. He called for the entire nation—from remote border regions to bustling cities—to uphold the tradition of national unity, mutual support, and patriotic spirit. "Each organization, community, and individual is a crucial link in this vigorous reform process," he said. "Our ranks are now orderly, and the entire nation marches forward toward a brilliant future for Vietnam, for the happiness of our people, and for sustainable development."
As Vietnam embarks on this ambitious administrative overhaul, the experiences of Lien Son commune in Phu Tho and the newly formed wards in Hanoi offer encouraging signs. Despite logistical challenges, increased workloads, and the need for cultural and procedural shifts, officials and citizens alike are embracing the change with optimism and determination.
The road ahead will require continued adaptation, resource investment, and community engagement. But with the foundations laid firmly in these early days, Vietnam’s new two-level local government system stands poised to bring more efficient, responsive, and people-centered governance to millions across the country.
