Streamlining the system: There are concerns, but no turning back!

General Secretary To Lam once stated that streamlining the political system's apparatus is a very sensitive and complex process, directly affecting every individual within the entire system.

In reality, within each "person in the system," there is a certain discrepancy between general social awareness and the considerations related to their own personal interests.

Most officials and Party members are aware of the necessity of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW (dated October 25, 2017) of the 6th Conference of the Central Committee of the 12th Party Congress on "Some issues on continuing to innovate and reorganize the organizational structure of the political system to be streamlined, effective and efficient".

They also agreed with the points raised in Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, which stated that the political system's organizational structure in our country is still cumbersome and has many layers; its operational effectiveness does not meet the requirements and tasks; the functions, tasks, and relationships of some agencies and organizations still overlap; the assignment, decentralization, and delegation of power among sectors, levels, and within each agency and organization are not rational; the streamlining of the political system's organizational structure, coupled with downsizing and restructuring of the workforce of officials, civil servants, and public employees, has yielded low results; and administrative reform is progressing slowly...

However, there have been no real qualitative changes in the situation after seven years of the Party and State continuing to reform and reorganize the political system's apparatus.

On November 5th, in an article on building a political system titled: "Sleek - Lean - Strong - Efficient - Effective - Effective," the General Secretary once again pointed out old shortcomings: The awareness and actions of some Party committees, Party organizations, leadership collectives, and heads of some agencies, organizations, units, and localities are not yet complete, not profound enough, the determination is not high enough, the actions are not decisive enough, the organizational restructuring is not synchronized and comprehensive, and the downsizing of personnel is not linked with restructuring...

There are many reasons for this situation, including the entrenched interests of individuals and small groups.

Some individuals and organizations may enthusiastically support the general policy of downsizing and reorganizing the political system's apparatus when it "doesn't affect me" or "doesn't clash with our unit." Things can change when they have to "get involved."

Cadres and Party members, including leaders at all levels, are also human beings, so it's understandable that they would have concerns when their interests are affected. No one is happy when their unit is dissolved, merged, or consolidated, when they lose their key position, or even when they have to transfer to a specialist position or leave the payroll...

However, expressing personal feelings is one thing, but organizing a "collective petition" or "collective request" to be sent to higher authorities to "oppose" a plan that has already been decided by the competent authority, thereby disrupting the common good, is another matter entirely. Bringing internal matters to social media is even more inappropriate.

When an organization or unit is established, it is evident that this collective has a reason to exist, meeting the requirements of the Party, the State, and society in a specific context and situation.

However, when historical circumstances change and societal demands shift, the reason for the existence or independent existence of that unit or organization no longer exists, and restructuring to make the entire system more streamlined, efficient, and "easier to fly" becomes inevitable. Clinging to the past, arguing about "unique characteristics," distorting concepts, or citing the "serious consequences" of dissolution, merger, or consolidation with grandiose pronouncements only complicates, rather than hinders, the historical process.

Individual interests must be subordinated to collective interests, and the interests of a smaller group must be subordinated to the interests of the larger group, of society, and of the nation.

The General Secretary clearly stated in his speech at the 13th Central Committee Meeting on November 25, 2024: Streamlining the political system's apparatus requires unity, high determination, courage, and even the sacrifice of personal interests.