Dedication or just "avoiding relegation"?

(Baonghean) - In a civilized society, when a person entrusted with responsibility fails to fulfill their duties, they usually voluntarily resign out of self-respect.

Through the media, we see that in many countries, from mayors and ministers to prime ministers and presidents, sometimes publicly apologize to the people or voluntarily resign simply because of a wrong statement, an incident involving a relative, or an issue related to their area of ​​responsibility. Some also resign because they realize that when unfortunate events occur, even if they only have a small part to do with them, they must take responsibility as leaders. Resignation, while not easy, is necessary and advisable for them. It is a cultural aspect of political life.

In our country, from ancient times to the present day, many officials such as Chu Van An, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nguyen Cong Tru, Nguyen Sinh Sac, etc., for various reasons, have resigned from their positions, demonstrating the character and spirit of scholars. Even in modern times, there have been Dr. Nguyen Ke Hao, Director of the Primary Education Department (Ministry of Education and Training), and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Huy Ngo who voluntarily resigned... earning the respect of the people.

In reality, at various levels and in different sectors, some officials lack a sense of responsibility, perform their duties poorly, or even commit violations and shortcomings that require disciplinary action. Despite losing public trust, they refuse to step down. Indeed, "it's easy to appoint someone, but difficult to remove them."

Mr. Nguyen Si Dung, Deputy Head of the National Assembly Office, wrote: "Resignation is more of a cultural matter than a legal one; the sanction here is conscience. If there is a political culture based on conscience, then resigning when failing to fulfill one's duties is almost mandatory... In many countries, individuals with economic potential later enter politics... For them, politics is a driving force, not a means of livelihood. They already have a very good economic foundation, so resigning is much easier for them. In Vietnam, however, people may enter politics for economic purposes, leading to corruption. Initially, you may be a good leader, but power can corrupt people."

Officials clinging to their positions are similar to citizens clinging to their status as poor households. The only difference is that citizens cling to their status as poor households to benefit from state preferential policies, while officials clinging to their positions do so in the name of continuing to "contribute" to the collective.

Dang Anh Dung (Deputy Secretary of Thanh Chuong District Party Committee)