Proposal to dismiss some civil servants who violate regulations as a deterrent.

(Baonghean.vn) - At the National Assembly hall on the morning of November 2nd, delegate Nguyen Huu Cau assessed that, after nearly a year of restructuring, despite the Government and the Prime Minister's efforts and high determination, some socio-economic indicators have not yet met the plan: GDP growth and export growth rates have not been achieved, budget revenue is facing difficulties, public debt is high and the pressure to repay debt is significant.

Regardless of whether the causes are objective or subjective, according to the delegates, we must face reality squarely, reflect on and plan the steps for 2017 and the following years.

"However, I am very impressed, appreciate, and have confidence in the new government, because I see very new and encouraging signs in the government's direction and operational principles," Mr. Cau expressed.

The Presidium of the National Assembly. Photo: Anh Tuan.

Accordingly, the Government's operating principles were affirmed at the first session through 16 words: "integrity, purity, development creation, decisive action, and service to the people." At this session, the Government emphasized the principle of "words matching actions, shortening the gap between words and deeds."

To realize the aforementioned principles, the representative from Nghe An proposed that in 2017, budgetary discipline should be tightened even further, and public debt should be managed more strictly.

According to the plan, in 2017, GDP growth was projected at 6.7%, public debt at 64.8% of GDP, government debt at 53.3% of GDP, and national foreign debt at 47.4%. However, the Government proposed that the National Assembly approve the aforementioned debt targets for 2017 and the entire 2016-2020 period at 65%, 60%, and 55% respectively, which is inconsistent with the view of "tightening public debt" and strictly enforcing budgetary discipline.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Cau proposed that the National Assembly not only tighten the public debt ceiling but also task the Government with reducing the public debt ratio, setting both upper and lower limits: Public debt should not exceed 65% of GDP, and by 2020, not exceed 63% of GDP; government debt should not exceed 53% of GDP, and by 2020, not exceed 50% of GDP; and national foreign debt should not exceed 50% of GDP, and by 2020, not exceed 47% of GDP. According to Mr. Cau, "only then will voters nationwide feel reassured."

Currently, the budget allocated for development investment is very small, mainly relying on loans. However, after studying five projects invested in by state-owned corporations and enterprises, Mr. Cau expressed "extreme concern" and urged the Government to focus on addressing the issue promptly, otherwise "debt will pile up." At the same time, Representative Cau also proposed severely punishing individuals and organizations responsible for the aforementioned losses, waste, and misappropriation, and to report this to the National Assembly.

Representative Nguyen Huu Cau speaks in the National Assembly. Photo: Diep Anh.

Mr. Cau also commented that, although leaders from the provincial level to members of the Government have recently taken very strong and decisive action, the public service apparatus, both at the central and local levels, has been slow to act, and administrative discipline and order have not been strictly enforced. The representative from Nghe An suggested that one of the things that needs to be done is to rectify the work attitude of civil servants, ending the situation where officials clearly violate regulations but are not punished for an entire year. He even argued that strong measures must be taken, including dismissal, in some cases of violations to deter future offenses and thereby enhance public trust.

Before the National Assembly, Representative Cau raised concerns about inadequacies in the construction and operation of hydropower plants, which seriously affect the environment, water resources, and water flow, as well as the lives of people in mountainous areas. He requested an investigation and remediation of these issues.

Furthermore, according to Representative Nguyen Huu Cau, during meetings with constituents in Nghe An, many voters requested that the National Assembly continue to prioritize budget allocations to pay for war veterans and renovate houses according to Government Decision 22. While this policy is very popular, correct, and humane, its slow implementation has somewhat eroded public trust.

Duong Gim