On May 8, 2025, Tổng thanh tra Chính phủ Đoàn Hồng Phong presented a summary of the draft Law on Inspection (amended) before the National Assembly. This significant legislative effort aims to streamline the inspection process in Vietnam, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving administrative efficiency and transparency.
The draft Law on Inspection (amended) comprises 9 chapters and 64 articles, marking a substantial reduction of 54 articles, or 45%, compared to the 2022 Inspection Law. This reduction is intended to simplify the legal framework governing inspections and eliminate redundant regulations.
One of the key changes in the draft Law is the removal of regulations concerning various inspection bodies, including the Inspectorate of Ministries, General Departments, and other agencies under the Government. This decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of inspection agencies and clarify their roles.
The draft Law modifies and improves regulations on inspection agencies, which now include the Government Inspectorate, Inspectorates of provinces and centrally-run cities, and specialized inspection agencies within the People's Army, People's Police, and the State Bank of Vietnam. This restructuring aims to ensure that these agencies operate more effectively and align with international standards.
According to Tổng thanh tra Chính phủ Đoàn Hồng Phong, the amendment and completion of regulations on the organization and operation of inspection have successfully reduced over 40% of administrative procedures in inspection activities. This is a crucial step toward minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a more effective governance model.
In addition to reducing administrative burdens, the draft Law also emphasizes the responsibilities of the heads of state management agencies in implementing inspection conclusions. It seeks to address overlaps between inspection activities and state audits, ensuring that each agency's functions are distinct and well-defined.
Furthermore, the draft Law introduces new provisions aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency in inspection activities. For instance, it includes a requirement for inspection agencies to transfer information to investigative authorities when signs of criminal activity are detected during inspections. This provision is designed to facilitate cooperation between inspection bodies and law enforcement agencies, thereby strengthening the rule of law.
In the context of local governance, the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has also taken steps to reorganize leadership and management positions across its wards and communes. On the same day, the Party Committee issued temporary standard guidelines and orientations for this reorganization.
The guidelines emphasize the importance of professional competence, skills, and a sense of responsibility among leaders at the ward and commune levels. Specific standards have been established, including the necessity for candidates to hold a university degree in a specialized field and an intermediate or higher level of political theory.
Notably, the Party Committee has indicated that the Secretary and Chairman of the Commune People's Committee should not be local residents. This approach aims to bring in fresh perspectives and experiences from outside the local area, potentially enhancing governance and administrative effectiveness.
In terms of prioritization for leadership roles, the Party Committee has outlined a clear hierarchy for arranging members of the Party Committee at the commune level. Priority is given to members of the Party Committee at the district level who have a minimum of 96 months of working time remaining.
The guidelines also state that district-level secretaries will be prioritized for the position of commune-level party secretary in key areas focused on socio-economic development and national defense-security. This strategic placement is intended to ensure that capable leaders are positioned where they can have the most significant impact.
For regions with a larger population and more complex governance structures, the City Party Committee may assign members of the Standing Committee or the Executive Committee of the City Party Committee to these roles, further emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership.
Moreover, the Party Committee has noted the necessity for the secretary of the Party Committee to concurrently hold the position of chairman of the People's Council at the commune level. This dual role is expected to enhance coordination between the Communist Party and local governance structures.
As Vietnam continues to navigate its administrative reforms, these legislative changes signify a crucial step toward a more efficient and transparent government. The amendments to the Law on Inspection and the restructuring of local leadership roles reflect a broader commitment to improving governance and accountability in the public sector.
Both the draft Law on Inspection and the guidelines from the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City are indicative of Vietnam's ongoing efforts to modernize its administrative processes. By reducing bureaucratic obstacles and enhancing the qualifications of local leaders, the government aims to foster a more responsive and responsible governance framework.
These developments are expected to resonate throughout the country, as they not only aim to streamline operations within the government but also seek to enhance public trust in governmental institutions. As reforms continue to unfold, the emphasis on accountability, transparency, and effective leadership will be essential to Vietnam's future progress.
In conclusion, the legislative changes proposed by Tổng thanh tra Chính phủ Đoàn Hồng Phong and the strategic guidelines from the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City represent a pivotal moment in Vietnam's governance landscape. The focus on reducing administrative procedures and enhancing leadership effectiveness is likely to foster a more efficient and accountable government, ultimately benefiting the citizens it serves.
