The Vietnamese government has announced a significant restructuring of its administrative units at the commune level, aiming to reduce the number of these units by 60-70%. This decision, officially outlined in various government resolutions and discussions, is part of a broader initiative to streamline local governance and improve administrative efficiency.
On April 15, 2025, the Provincial Party Executive Committee in Lang Son province convened a specialized conference to review and agree on the plan to arrange and merge commune-level administrative units. The meeting was co-chaired by prominent officials, including Hoang Van Nghiem, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and other key leaders. The conference aimed to finalize the arrangement of 194 current administrative units into just 65, effectively reducing the total by 66.5%.
This restructuring is not merely a numbers game; it is designed to ensure that the new administrative units are more manageable and can better serve the local population. The government has emphasized the need for a reasonable correlation between the natural areas and population sizes of the newly formed communes and wards. The goal is to avoid creating significant disparities in these metrics, ensuring that local governance is both effective and equitable.
According to the government’s guidelines, the new administrative units will be referred to as special zones, particularly for island districts and cities. A total of 11 special zones are set to be created from one island district, including areas such as Van Don, Co To, and Cat Hai. This change aims to enhance local governance and address the unique challenges faced by these regions.
In addition to the reduction in the number of administrative units, the plan also includes specific criteria for naming these units. The government encourages naming the new grassroots-level administrative units in a flexible manner, combining historical and cultural significance with systematic naming conventions. This approach aims to foster a sense of identity and continuity within the local communities.
During the conference, the officials discussed the implications of the restructuring, including the potential challenges that may arise as new administrative units begin to operate. Hoang Van Nghiem urged local leaders to proactively manage and address any issues that could hinder the effectiveness of the new governance structure. This includes ensuring that the transition does not disrupt ongoing administrative processes and that local needs are adequately met.
Furthermore, the National Assembly Standing Committee has also passed a resolution that sets forth criteria for the new administrative units. For instance, communes in mountainous areas must have a natural area of at least 200% and a population size of 100% or more of the corresponding commune standards. Meanwhile, wards in urban areas are required to meet specific population thresholds, such as a minimum of 45,000 residents for those in centrally-run cities.
The resolution also stipulates that if three or more commune-level units are merged into a new ward, the aforementioned standards may not necessarily apply. This flexibility is intended to facilitate smoother transitions and adaptations during the restructuring process.
As part of the government's efforts to modernize local governance, the naming conventions for the new units will be carefully considered. The proposed names should be easy to read, memorable, and reflective of the region's historical and cultural context. The aim is to ensure that the new names resonate with the local population and are supported by community consensus.
With the implementation of these changes, the Vietnamese government hopes to create a more streamlined and effective administrative structure that can better respond to the needs of its citizens. The emphasis on reducing the number of administrative units is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing local governance and improving service delivery.
As the restructuring process unfolds, local governments are expected to engage with their communities to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the new administrative units can operate effectively. This engagement will be vital in fostering public trust and ensuring that the new governance model meets the expectations and needs of the people.
In conclusion, the Vietnamese government's plan to reduce the number of commune-level administrative units by 60-70% is a significant step towards improving local governance. With a focus on creating special zones and ensuring equitable distribution of resources and representation, the initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of local administrations across the country. The success of this restructuring will depend on careful implementation and community involvement, ensuring that the new units can serve the public effectively and efficiently.
