The National Assembly of Vietnam is currently engaged in pivotal discussions focused on amending and supplementing the Constitution to improve governance. The meetings, headed by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, aim to gather opinions on necessary legal reforms, showcasing the government's commitment to enhancing political efficiency and public participation.
On March 24, 2025, Tran Thanh Man, who is also a member of the Politburo and Secretary of the National Assembly's Party Committee, led a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee. This gathering follows an initial session held a week prior, on March 17, further underscoring the urgency and importance placed on these constitutional discussions. These meetings are the second of their kind, following a framework established in Resolution 129-KL/TW from March 10, which sets the groundwork for the proposed amendments.
Amid these discussions, Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed the necessity of an inclusive approach to amending the Constitution, stating, "The requirement is to be careful, neutral, democratic, scientific, specific, and effective, with stringent processes and procedures to ensure quality. Innovative thinking is essential for the mechanism to ensure expert involvement and public opinions." This statement underscores the need for a systematic and transparent process that involves various stakeholders in the legislative changes.
The meeting on March 24 saw participation from key figures within the National Assembly, including former leaders and current members such as Nguyen Khac Dinh, Nguyen Duc Hai, Tran Quang Phuong, Nguyen Thi Thanh, and Vu Hong Thanh. Their collective input is vital for achieving a comprehensive review of proposed changes to the Constitution and laws that regulate the State's operations.
A significant focus of the agenda was to establish a roadmap for public consultations. Chairman Tran Thanh Man announced plans to gather public input on the proposed amendments within one month, allowing for a summarization of opinions to be finalized within five days. The National Assembly is aiming to ensure that the citizen's voice is adequately reflected in legislative processes, emphasizing that their insights are crucial for informed and effective governance.
"We will not count how many times we meet, but we will meet continuously until everything is ripe and clear," reassured Chairman Tran Thanh Man, highlighting the Assembly's commitment to exhaustive deliberation until consensus is reached and clarity achieved on the amendments' implications.
Currently, the National Assembly's Law and Justice Committee is rapidly working on drafting proposals, focusing on six key areas that require reform. Their analysis includes a review of 58 party documents and 421 legal documents to ensure coherence between existing laws and the proposed amendments. The systematic approach taken thus far indicates a concerted effort on the part of the National Assembly to provide a well-grounded set of proposals in line with the evolving governance landscape of Vietnam.
As these discussions unfold, there is a shared concern among the attendees regarding the current legal framework's adequacy in meeting developmental demands. A consensus is forming that recognizes the necessity for adjustments to align the Constitution with contemporary governance needs, promoting a more dynamic political environment.
Looking ahead, the National Assembly aims to present a robust set of proposals to the Politburo by the set deadline of March 25, following which recommendations will be incorporated based on feedback received. This strategic timeline reflects the urgency and importance of these legislative reforms, positioning Vietnam to adapt and advance its governance framework responsibly.
As these deliberations continue, the National Assembly's proactive stance and commitment to transparency and public involvement demonstrate a significant step towards fostering a more effective political system in Vietnam. By ensuring that the citizens' perspectives are included in these vital discussions, the Assembly is setting a precedent for participatory governance that may strengthen public trust and enhance the legitimacy of its institutions. This is an essential phase in Vietnamese governance, one that promises to shape the legislative landscape of the nation for years to come.
