“Speaker of the House: No Place for Local Favoritism in Post-Restructuring Personnel Proposals”

On May 11, Politburo member and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man chaired a working session between the Politburo’s delegation and the Standing Committees of Can Tho City Party Committee, Hau Giang Provincial Party Committee, and Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee regarding the implementation of the resolutions of the 11^th Congress of the 13^th Party Central Committee.

The focus of the session was on the implementation of key policies: the merger of administrative units at the provincial level, the elimination of the district level, the merger of communal-level units, and the development of a two-tier local government model. Also discussed were Conclusion No. 150 of the Politburo, which provides guidance on personnel work for Party committees at the provincial level in merged and newly established communes, and Directive No. 45-CT/TW of the Politburo on organizing Party congresses at all levels.

After hearing the reports and discussions from the three localities, Chairman Man commended the Standing Committees of Can Tho City Party Committee, Hau Giang Provincial Party Committee, and Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee for their proactive efforts in keeping up with the Party’s directions, closely following the progress and requirements of authorized agencies, and actively implementing tasks while ensuring quality and timely completion. He also acknowledged their thorough preparations regarding the rearrangement plans for administrative units at different levels.

“We are in a historic phase. There must be no room for complacency or hesitation; instead, we must act with determination, passion, and a sense of urgency, counting every hour and minute to accomplish this historic mission,” emphasized Chairman Man.

Agreeing with the proposals and recommendations of the three localities, Chairman Man reiterated the specific timelines set by the Central Committee regarding the discontinuation of district-level activities, the merger of provinces, and the rearrangement of communal-level units. He requested that the localities make the highest commitment to fulfilling the tasks and implementing the solutions in accordance with the conclusions, plans, and guidelines of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Party Secretariat.

Emphasizing the key tasks ahead, Chairman Man highlighted the imperative to prioritize economic and social development, national defense and security, and the building of the political system. He cautioned against allowing the merger process to distract from these critical tasks or compromise their quality.

Additionally, the localities were advised to continue leading and guiding the organization of party congresses at all levels, ensuring compliance with Directive No. 45-CT/TW of the Politburo. Particular attention should be given to the development of congress documents and personnel work in merged and newly established areas.

Chairman Man also suggested that the localities devise detailed plans and review solutions to address the impact of the rearrangement on officials at the provincial, district, and communal levels, ensuring a unified and effective approach throughout the process.

He further emphasized the importance of continuing to implement effective ideological work for officials, public employees, and laborers. It is essential to fully and properly implement policies related to officials, public employees, and laborers affected by the rearrangement process.

Emphasizing the Importance of Post-Merger Personnel Selection

Chairman Man particularly highlighted the critical and challenging nature of personnel selection following the merger of administrative units. He underscored that the communal level is the closest to the people, and the choice of officials at this level must be capable of effectively carrying out their duties, as the strength of the commune directly contributes to the strength of the province and the Central Committee.

While there are guidelines and criteria for the selection of commune-level secretaries, chairpersons of the People’s Committees, and chairpersons of the People’s Councils, the selection of specific individuals must consider their abilities, qualifications, dedication, and vision. It is imperative to avoid negative factors such as local favoritism and “group interests.” The process must be approached with integrity and objectivity, with the responsibility of the leaders in proposing and introducing personnel in accordance with the Central Committee’s new regulations.

The right people must be placed in the right positions, ensuring that they meet the standards and requirements to serve in the new period. Officials must possess dedication, vision, decisiveness, and determination to produce tangible results in serving the people better and promoting local and national development.