Decentralization and delegation of power: A transformative turning point in national governance.

This is not merely an administrative technical move, but a profound institutional reform, demonstrating a strong innovative mindset in national governance. If implemented seriously and synchronously, this could become a turning point paving the way for a modern, effective, and efficient administration – in line with the aspirations of our Party, State, and people.

Onean unprecedented effort

The simultaneous issuance of 28 decrees on decentralization and delegation of power is the result of a review process of the enormous volume of tasks and powers of ministries, agencies, and governments at all levels. According to official statistics, 6,738 tasks and powers were reviewed, of which 2,718 key tasks were proposed for clear delineation: 1,470 tasks were decentralized and delegated to local governments; and 1,248 tasks were delineated between the provincial and commune levels.

This is not just a number – it is proof of a persistent, tenacious, and very systematic effort to dismantle the long-standing "central government doing things for them," "local authorities waiting for instructions," and "request-and-grant" practices in many areas.

PrivateNew approach: Empowerment to create force

From an institutional perspective, decentralization and delegation of power are the clearest manifestations of constructive governance. In this model, instead of retaining power at the central level, the State proactively "shares power" with local governments – allowing them to be closer to the people, understand the people better, and act more quickly.

Decentralization is not just about "empowering," but also about "assigning responsibility." Local governments are now not just "executors of administrative orders" but have become subjects of action, innovation, and results.

In particular, this reform placed the commune level at the center of decentralization, rather than stopping at the provincial level as before. This clearly reflects an inevitable trend:The closer to the people, the more effective the governance.– if and only if the commune level has sufficient capacity and tools to act.

FertilizerStrong measures – but not indiscriminately.

Notably, these decrees are not merely "administrative delegation," but primarily represent genuine decentralization and delegation of power, with specific and clear regulations on tasks, scope, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms. This model helps avoid overlapping responsibilities, shirking of duties, and avoidance of accountability – inherent weaknesses in the current administrative system.

Decentralization without supervision easily leads to arbitrariness. However, supervision without decentralization leads to bottlenecks and inefficiency. Therefore, the simultaneous issuance of 28 decrees shows that the Government has strived to achieve a balance between autonomy and discipline, between dynamism and control.

ThoseA significant challenge.

However, to prevent this turning point from becoming a "misstep," we need to frankly acknowledge the challenges ahead:

First, implementation capacityThere is still a significant disparity in the capabilities of local authorities. Some places are capable of handling new tasks, but others are weak in terms of personnel, lack financial resources, and are confused about how to proceed.

Secondly, the institutions supporting decentralization are not yet synchronized.If power is delegated but without allocated budget, human resources, and a suitable monitoring system – then power is only "delegated on paper." As Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has repeatedly emphasized, decentralization and delegation of power must go hand in hand with resource allocation, improving the implementation capacity of lower levels, and designing tools to strengthen inspection and supervision.

Thirdly, a hesitant and fearful attitude towards responsibility remains prevalent.Many local officials are accustomed to following orders and are not used to making their own decisions and taking responsibility. Without a change in mindset, decentralization will remain merely a formality.

PrizeThe method for decentralizing power should not fall into a rut.

For this massive volume of decrees to truly be implemented, a coordinated approach involving multiple solutions is necessary:

1. Enhancing the capacity of local officials.:We cannot delegate authority to those who are not competent. We need to invest heavily in training and improving the quality of civil servants, especially at the commune level – where they are shouldering many new responsibilities.

2. Improving the financial and budgetary institutions.:There needs to be a mechanism to allow localities to independently manage their spending and utilize local resources, while ensuring transparency and accountability.

3. Strengthen inspection, monitoring, and evaluation of results:The purpose of supervision is not to revoke authority, but to adjust – to encourage good performance and correct poor performance. A system of evaluation based on key performance indicators (KPIs) should be developed instead of relying solely on input procedures.

4. Innovate leadership and management thinking throughout the entire system:The central government cannot maintain the habit of "clinging to power." Local authorities cannot maintain the habit of "asking for guidance from above." Decentralization is only effective when the entire system is united, working together in harmony, in synchronicity, simultaneously, and in unison, as stated by the Prime Minister at the conference on June 14th.

rangeLooking ahead – a people-oriented administration.

It can be said that the simultaneous issuance of 28 decrees is a historic constructive effort. It not only addresses the current problems of the administrative apparatus but also lays the foundation for a modern, effective, and people-oriented governance model.

If successful, this would be the first step towards a robust two-tiered local governance model, paving the way for streamlining the administrative apparatus, reducing intermediate layers, and improving governance capacity at the grassroots level – where citizens directly interact with the government.

In the context of the country entering an era of in-depth development, with expectations of strength, self-reliance, and prosperity, reforms like these are key to unlocking the future.

The transfer of power is not just about organization – it isonedeclaration of belief.Trust in local authorities, in the capacity of the system, and above all, in the nation's self-reliance and self-strength. It's time to trust and empower – so that all levels of government can work together to build a strong, prosperous Vietnam where the people are well-off and happy.