In a notable development regarding administrative reorganization, Phan Trung Tuấn, the head of the Local Government Department of the Ministry of Interior, addressed public concerns on March 23, 2025, regarding the temporary suspension of several administrative tasks outlined in Document 618. He emphasized that this suspension does not interfere with the broader plan for merging administrative units as part of a strategic initiative mandated by the Politburo. "Through feedback, localities did not misunderstand, and there are no objections, yet there are some misconceptions in public interpretation,” Tuấn stated. The suspended tasks are linked directly to ongoing efforts outlined in Resolution 1211 from the National Assembly's Standing Committee.
The detailed provisions in Document 618 specify that local authorities must halt the submission of proposals for the arrangement and establishment of district and commune-level administrative units. This is governed under the previous resolutions, specifically Nghị quyết 1211/2016/UBTVQH13, which was modified in Nghị quyết 35/2023/UBTVQH15. Additionally, the suspension extends to the classification of administrative units and the review and approval of administrative boundary records associated with Project 513, as well as the construction of sector plans stretching to 2030 and a vision extending to 2045.
These measures are part of a larger strategy addressed in Conclusion 127 from the Politburo, aimed at streamlining local government into two levels. To this end, the Ministry of Interior is collaborating with various central and local entities to propose a reorganization plan for administrative units, specifically targeting the merging of some provincial-level units, the elimination of districts, and the rearrangement of communes.
In an urgent update provided to VnExpress, Tuấn affirmed that the work must proceed swiftly and diligently to meet the government's objectives for administrative efficiency. He confirmed, "Works related to this policy are being implemented with a spirit of lightning speed, working day and night to ensure completion according to the scheduled plans laid out by the Central Steering Committee.”
The plan aims for a significant reduction in the number of provinces and cities—approximately by 50%—while abolishing district levels altogether and reorganizing grassroots administrative units between 60% and 70%. This strategy is set to be presented at the upcoming 11th Central Conference scheduled for April.
Coordinated efforts to develop new legal frameworks are underway. Document 43-CV/BCĐ from the Central Steering Committee highlights the need for a comprehensive project outlining the arrangements for merging provincial and commune-level units. The National Assembly is expected to ratify these changes, with resolutions on the reorganization of commune-level administrative units expected by June 30, 2025, and for provincial units by the same date.
When discussing the process, Tuấn highlighted the importance of the timeframe. The local government model is on a tight deadline for practical implementation. Projections suggest that by July 1, 2025, the newly organized commune-level administrative units should be fully operational, while provincial-level mergers should achieve implementation readiness by September 1, 2025.
Thus far, from 2019 to 2021, over 21 district units and 1,056 commune units have been successfully reorganized following regulations set forth by the National Assembly Standing Committee in 2016, which has since been amended. The arrangements are governed by criteria detailing land area and population size, emphasizing the need for effective governance.
The Ministry of Interior's preparations also reflect adherence to established planning in Nghị quyết 35/2023, which continues to define parameters for the next phases of reorganization through 2026-2030. This includes projected reductions of administrative units anticipated for 2023-2025, with estimates of 9 district administrative units needing arrangement and the merging of 1,247 commune units, decreasing the overall administrative quantity significantly.
In closing, the coordination between the Ministry, various agencies, and local administrative bodies highlights a systematic approach to restructuring Vietnam’s administrative framework. With critical milestones soon approaching, the emphasis is on efficiency and thoroughness, ensuring that the ambitions for effective governance align closely with the strategic goals of the government.
