Provincial Party Secretary Rotation: Eliminating Closed-Loop and Localized Thinking
"The contributions of transferred officials through specific tasks and concrete results have helped to gradually eliminate the closed-minded, parochial, and localistic thinking that was once quite prevalent."
As of October 29th, 100% of provincial and centrally-administered city Party committees and equivalent bodies have completed their congresses for the 2020-2025 term. Overall, the congresses were successfully organized, most clearly demonstrated in the preparation of documents and personnel matters.
Notably, at the conclusion of the Party Congresses of Party Committees directly under the Central Committee, 22 cadres who were transferred or nominated by the Central Committee (not from the local area) were all elected with high confidence votes.
Having directly attended several congresses, Dr. Le Hai - Member of the Editorial Board and Head of the Electronic Communist Magazine - believes there are three basic reasons.
The firstThe policy of appointing provincial-level Party secretaries who are not from the local area, in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 7 of the 12th Central Committee Conference, has been supported and endorsed by the majority of officials and the people. It has been thoroughly understood and permeated into political life, and therefore has been seriously and voluntarily implemented by most Party committees, facilitating the arrangement of personnel transferred from the Central level to the localities.
MondayIn practice, over the past period, personnel transferred from the central government to local areas have made many valuable contributions. These officials possess strategic thinking and a broad, macro-level perspective, and upon returning to their localities, they effectively address the shortcomings of the leadership teams in the provinces and cities. In particular, their contributions through specific tasks and concrete results have helped to gradually eliminate the closed-minded, parochial thinking that was once quite prevalent in the past.
TuesdayThe majority of personnel selected by the Central Committee to serve as key leaders in provinces and cities are high-quality, exemplary, and outstanding strategic-level cadres with exceptional abilities, qualities, and intellect. They are rigorously and objectively selected through multiple levels and rounds. These transferred cadres themselves understand that being transferred to a locality is an honor coupled with great responsibility, an opportunity to learn, gain experience, and hone their skills through practical application. Therefore, they strive their best, regardless of hardship, immersing themselves in practical work and upholding ethical standards. Over time, they have earned the recognition and support of local Party committees, cadres, Party members, and the people.
The practice of democracy within the Party is expanding.
Dr. Le Hai shared: "The Party Committee for the 2020-2025 term places special emphasis on quality, with a reasonable number and structure; exemplary in intellect, character, prestige, integrity, strength, leadership capacity, and high fighting spirit, meeting the requirements of leadership in the new situation, successfully implementing the resolutions of the Party congresses at all levels and the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. Personnel participating in the Party Committee are selected and screened through five rigorous steps, based on long-term, systematic planning (previous terms usually only had three steps), at all levels, including for central strategic-level cadres (this is the first time we have a plan for the Central Committee of the Party); trained through talent development courses; evaluated based on specific results and products; and emphasizing the responsibility of those who introduce and nominate candidates…”.
According to Mr. Hai, thanks to thorough, responsible, and systematic preparation, the personnel work for this year's provincial and city-level Party congresses was basically "smooth" and "effortless," selecting worthy personnel and leaving no doubts or concerns among cadres, Party members, and the public.
While affirming this, Dr. Le Hai stated that while the key personnel selections at a few congresses did not go as planned, this was not unusual. Some argue that these results were due to inadequate preparation of personnel for those congresses, leaving behind some "blemishes." However, from another perspective, this is a positive sign, indicating that democracy and democratic practices within the Party are expanding and becoming more substantive. It's possible that the personnel selection process was still influenced by the subjective will of a few individuals, thus lacking complete accuracy, but at the congress level, where the will of the vast majority of party members is concentrated, mistakes are unlikely. Therefore, the congress has demonstrated its ultimate authority in making decisions on this crucial personnel matter.
"The New Generation Landscape"
One of the key factors contributing to the success of the new term's personnel changes is the rejuvenation of the cadre. Cadres from the 1970s generation have made a significant contribution to this new term. Preliminary statistics show that up to 43% of Party Secretaries belong to the 1970s generation, individuals whom the Central Committee and the people expect to bring a fresh perspective to leadership and management in the new term.
Dr. Le Hai believes this is also a general trend in society, with many successful people belonging to the 70s generation. Researchers call this the period of the "new generational shift." This generation is well-educated and trained, quickly adapting to the times, rapidly adjusting to science and technology, possessing creative and innovative thinking, decisiveness, and the courage to act. Therefore, Party Secretaries from the 70s generation are expected to bring new and breakthrough developments to provinces, cities, and the country in the next phase of development.
Naturally, absorbing and learning from the experience and knowledge of previous generations is crucial preparation for the 70s generation of key leaders to be more confident in holding important positions and making crucial decisions. Most of the 70s generation did not experience war, but the majority were educated abroad. Therefore, cultivating strong political resolve and unwavering commitment to national independence linked with communism is a very important requirement for this generation of leaders, as well as future generations. However, "the old bamboo gives way to the new," "the later waves must surpass the earlier waves," and "a son surpassing his father brings blessings to the family" are the laws of development; only then can the country progress...
“I have great faith in and resonate with the leaders of the 70s generation, and I expect them to be the new generation of leaders for the country, possessing both political acumen and the character, self-respect, and intelligence of the Vietnamese people, confidently steering the ship of the nation towards the open sea and the shores of prosperity,” affirmed Dr. Le Hai.
