On April 28, 2025, significant administrative changes were approved in Vietnam as various provinces moved forward with the arrangement of their commune-level administrative units. In Quang Ninh, the People's Council passed a resolution that will see the province reduce its administrative units from 51 to a more streamlined structure, while also emphasizing the importance of historical and cultural names for the newly formed units.
Following the specialized session of the Quang Ninh People's Council, it was confirmed that the province will consist of 51 commune-level administrative units, which include 27 wards, 21 communes, and 3 special zones (Mong Cai, Van Don, and Co To). If authorized, the establishment of the two special zones will lead to the rearrangement of 12 communes and wards in Mong Cai City into four new administrative units.
As part of the resolution, the Quang Ninh People's Council has tasked the Provincial People's Committee with completing a project that outlines the arrangement of these administrative units for submission to higher authorities. This decision aligns with earlier discussions held by the Provincial Party Committee, which underscored the necessity for such changes.
Meanwhile, in Hanoi, the People's Council unanimously approved a similar resolution on April 29, 2025, which will reduce the number of administrative units from 526 to 126, effectively cutting 400 units. The process was reported to have followed all prescribed procedures, with public opinion heavily influencing the decision. Over 2 million votes were cast in favor of the proposed arrangements, showcasing strong community support.
However, there remains a small percentage of dissent among voters regarding the naming of the new administrative units. Some districts, including Dan Phuong and Hoai Duc, reported lower approval rates, with some names receiving less than 93% support. Despite this, officials believe that the restructuring will better reflect the realities of the capital.
In Nghe An, at the 28th session of the Provincial People's Council on the same day, a resolution was passed to reduce the number of administrative units from 412 to 130. The discussion highlighted concerns over the naming convention, with many representatives advocating for names that reflect historical and cultural significance rather than simply numerical designations.
Currently, Nghe An has 14 district-level units that have chosen to name new communes and wards using ordinal numbers. The province aims to ensure that at least 46 new units will carry names rooted in historical significance, contrasting with the 82 units that will adopt a numbered naming scheme.
In Soc Trang, the local government is also moving forward with plans to arrange its administrative units, reducing the total from 108 to 43. The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided guidelines encouraging localities to name their administrative units in a manner that is both practical and reflective of local culture.
On April 29, Soc Trang was highlighted as one of the 20 provinces submitting plans for the restructuring of their commune-level administrative units. This initiative is part of a broader governmental effort to streamline local governance and enhance administrative efficiency across the country.
Lang Son province is also undergoing significant changes, with all 194 existing commune-level administrative units slated for arrangement. The province will reduce to 65 units, which includes 4 wards and 61 communes. This decision is in line with national directives aimed at improving the administrative landscape.
As these provinces implement their restructuring plans, officials are keen to ensure that the naming of new units reflects the rich historical and cultural heritage of the regions. For instance, Lang Son's restructuring will involve merging existing units into new entities that retain local significance.
In this context, the local populations have expressed a desire for names that resonate with their cultural identity, rather than arbitrary numerical titles. Many residents have voiced their concerns about the loss of historical names in favor of numbers, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in local governance.
As Vietnam continues to modernize its administrative framework, these changes are seen as a necessary step towards efficient governance. The emphasis on historical and cultural names indicates a recognition of the importance of local identity in the face of administrative consolidation.
In conclusion, the recent developments in Quang Ninh, Hanoi, Nghe An, Soc Trang, and Lang Son reflect a significant shift in Vietnam's approach to local governance. The emphasis on retaining historical and cultural significance in naming new administrative units is a positive step towards fostering a sense of community and identity among residents.
