In a significant move towards administrative reform, Vietnam is set to drastically reduce its number of provinces and cities from 63 to 34, effectively halving the current count. This ambitious plan, outlined in the latest government directives, aims to streamline governance and enhance efficiency in public administration. The implications of this restructuring are profound, as it will lead to a substantial increase in the population size of some provinces, potentially doubling or tripling their current figures. Such changes are expected to place heightened demands on the leadership teams of these new provinces.
Mr. Le Nhu Tien, a delegate from the 13th National Assembly and former Deputy Head of the Culture, Education, Youth, and Children Committee, emphasized that this initiative is not merely an administrative reform but represents a breakthrough in political work aimed at creating a more effective and sustainable management system. He stated, "This is not just about reducing numbers; it’s about enhancing the quality of governance and ensuring that leaders are equipped to handle larger populations and more complex challenges."
The selection criteria for provincial leaders are also undergoing a transformation. According to Mr. Tien, under Directive 35/TW from the Central Committee, the process of selecting officials will no longer rely on vague criteria but will instead be based on specific, quantifiable metrics of capability and character. He remarked, "If officials do not meet their quantified tasks, they must commit to stepping aside for someone who can. We cannot afford to have leaders who merely cling to their positions without delivering results." This shift aims to ensure that the qualifications of leaders are not just theoretical but demonstrable through their ability to achieve assigned goals.
Furthermore, the draft resolution from the National Assembly Standing Committee regarding the arrangement of administrative units (DVHC) indicates that after the restructuring, only 11 provincial-level administrative units will remain intact, while 52 will be merged. The resolution also stipulates that the number of officials, civil servants, and public employees in the newly formed provincial and communal units must not exceed the total present in the previous units before the restructuring. This number is expected to gradually decrease over a five-year period following the implementation of the resolution.
On April 6, 2025, during a regular government press conference, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha discussed the upcoming implementation of a two-level government model. This model is designed to simplify administrative procedures and alleviate burdens on citizens and businesses as the district level is abolished. She stated, "Our goal is to ensure that the transition is smooth and does not disrupt the daily lives of our citizens or the operations of businesses. We are committed to enhancing the efficiency of local governance through this new model."
Under this new framework, local governments at the commune level will assume additional responsibilities previously held by district authorities. This includes not only their current duties but also new powers that will be granted to them to better serve their communities. The restructuring will involve reorganization of administrative units at the grassroots level, including communes, wards, and special zones in islands, to align with the new governance model.
To facilitate these changes, the government plans to enhance the application of information technology and digital transformation initiatives. This will involve simplifying administrative procedures and reducing processing times for citizens and businesses. Nguyen Thi Ha noted, "We must ensure that the tasks and powers of the new commune-level government operate seamlessly and without interruption, avoiding any overlap or omissions that could hinder socio-economic development."
In terms of policies for affected individuals, the Deputy Minister assured that existing specific policies for residents will remain unchanged following the restructuring. This commitment aims to provide stability and reassurance to the populace during this transitional period. Additionally, a unified civil service regime will be implemented from the central to the commune level, eliminating distinctions between officials at various levels.
The government is also taking steps to ensure that only qualified and capable individuals remain in positions of authority. Functional agencies will conduct reviews and screenings to retain those who meet the necessary standards and professional qualifications. Furthermore, there will be provisions for preserving salaries and allowances for individuals who may be assigned to lower positions or who do not hold positions for a specified period.
For those who wish to retire early or streamline their roles due to not meeting task requirements, preferential policies will be available, as outlined in Decree 178 and Decree 167. These decrees provide a framework for addressing the needs of officials, civil servants, workers, and armed forces members during the implementation of the new administrative organization.
As Vietnam embarks on this ambitious restructuring journey, the focus on leadership quality and administrative efficiency reflects a broader commitment to enhancing governance and public service delivery. With a significant reduction in the number of administrative units, the challenges ahead will require strong, capable leaders who can navigate this new landscape effectively.
