The 5th session of the 13th National Assembly was solemnly opened.

At this session, the National Assembly will hold a vote of confidence for those holding positions elected or approved by the National Assembly.

On the morning of May 20th, the 5th session of the 13th National Assembly officially opened in Hanoi.

Scenes from the opening ceremony of the session.

In his opening remarks at the session, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung emphasized: The 5th session of the National Assembly is being held at a time when the regional and global economies are in the process of recovery, but not yet truly sustainable; the domestic economy has seen positive changes. In the first five months of 2013, economic growth was higher than the same period last year; inflation was controlled, prices were stable, interest rates decreased, export turnover increased significantly; social welfare continued to be a priority; independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity were maintained; foreign relations were strengthened; national defense, security, and social order and safety were ensured...

However, the macroeconomic situation remains unstable, with many difficulties and challenges still evident; economic sectors continue to face difficulties; the restructuring of the banking system and the handling of bad debts are progressing slowly; inventories of goods and real estate remain large; the number of businesses ceasing operations, dissolving, or going bankrupt continues to increase; and employment, income, and living conditions for a segment of the workforce are facing many difficulties... This situation demands that we unite, implement positive and comprehensive solutions, and strive to overcome difficulties and challenges to successfully implement the 2013 socio-economic development plan, creating momentum for sustainable development in the following years.

Continue to refine the draft amendments to the 1992 Constitution.

At this session, the National Assembly will consider and decide on several important issues: Continuing to provide feedback to finalize the draft amendment to the 1992 Constitution based on the contributions of the people. Recently, in accordance with the National Assembly's Resolution, the Constitutional Amendment Drafting Committee organized a public consultation on the draft amendment to the 1992 Constitution. Organizing this public consultation on the draft amendment to the Constitution is considered the responsibility of the entire Party, the entire people, the entire army, all sectors, levels, agencies, and organizations within the political system. Therefore, the public consultation has become a widespread political and legal activity throughout the nation, ensuring respect for and promotion of the people's right to self-governance, and has been organized in many appropriate forms. With their dedication and wisdom, compatriots and soldiers nationwide, as well as our compatriots abroad, have responded and actively participated in contributing opinions to the draft amendment to the Constitution; Focus on research, engage in democratic, open, and constructive discussions; contribute many specific and practical ideas.

Based on a comprehensive, objective, and honest synthesis of the people's opinions, the Constitutional Amendment Drafting Committee has seriously studied, incorporated, and revised the draft amendment to the Constitution submitted to the National Assembly with the spirit of sincerely acknowledging contributions; researching and refining opinions to reflect the will of the people; and fully, specifically, and thoroughly addressing the issues raised during the consultation process. The National Assembly welcomes and sincerely thanks our compatriots at home and abroad for their enthusiastic response and numerous contributions to the drafting of the amendment to the 1992 Constitution.

Provide feedback on the shortcomings of the amended Land Law.

During this session, the National Assembly will consider the draft Law on Land (amended). This is a draft law that directly impacts all aspects of socio-economic life, the stability and sustainable development of the country, and the lives of the people. Therefore, at the 4th session, the National Assembly devoted considerable time to discussing and giving opinions on it. Following this session, based on the feedback from National Assembly deputies, the Government and responsible agencies and organizations have focused on finalizing the draft Law, organizing widespread consultations with the people, various sectors, levels, and businesses.

Considering this is an important draft law, affecting the rights and interests of all segments of the population, with many complex contents and differing opinions, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly requests that National Assembly deputies continue to discuss the people's feedback and suggestions, and further refine the draft law to ensure it has a sufficient legal and practical basis, guarantees feasibility for smooth implementation, and overcomes existing shortcomings and obstacles in the current implementation of land law and policies.

Conduct a vote of confidence for those holding office.

The National Assembly will also hold votes of confidence for those holding positions elected or approved by the National Assembly. This is an important innovation in the country's political life aimed at implementing the Party's policies and legal regulations, and upholding the people's right to self-governance through the National Assembly's oversight of key Party and State officials.

Based on thorough research and information gathering, and adhering to the procedures for conducting confidence votes, the National Assembly will dedicate time to careful, objective, and impartial discussion and evaluation, reflecting the level of confidence in those subject to the confidence vote. The results of the confidence vote will help those being evaluated understand their level of trust, enabling them to continue striving, improving their qualities and abilities, and enhancing their work efficiency. This will be an important, annual activity of the National Assembly, ensuring that its resolutions are implemented in practice and meet the needs and aspirations of the people.

Ten draft laws and resolutions will be considered and passed.

The National Assembly will consider supplementary reports from the Government on the assessment of the results of implementing the socio-economic development plan and the state budget in 2012; the situation of implementing the socio-economic development plan and the state budget in the first months of 2013; the final accounts of the state budget for 2011; approve 10 draft laws and a Resolution on the Program for drafting laws and ordinances in 2014, adjusting the Program for drafting laws and ordinances of the 13th National Assembly in 2013; and give opinions on 7 other draft laws.

In addition, the National Assembly will dedicate time to the thematic supervision of "The implementation of the Law on practicing thrift and combating waste in the use of government bond funds for basic construction investment during the period 2006-2012"; consider several reports on the results of supervision by National Assembly agencies; hear the summary report of opinions and recommendations of voters and the results of supervising the resolution of voter recommendations submitted to the 4th session of the 13th National Assembly; conduct questioning and answering of questions by National Assembly deputies; adopt the Resolution on the National Assembly's supervision program for 2014; consider the work reports of National Assembly agencies, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, and consider and decide on a number of other important issues.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung stated that the 5th session has a very large workload and many important contents. Over the past period, the Government, ministries, agencies, National Assembly bodies, National Assembly deputies, and relevant agencies and organizations have actively coordinated and improved the quality of preparation for the session's contents according to the set program and schedule.

According to (vov.vn) - LT