Streamlining the administrative apparatus: A practical imperative - A people's aspiration.
In the context of strong globalization and digital transformation, reforming the state administrative apparatus towards a streamlined, effective, and efficient structure is not only an urgent requirement but also an inevitable trend to enhance national competitiveness, create a modern administration that serves the people, and promote sustainable development.
Duc ChuyenApril 30, 2025
In the context of strong globalization and digital transformation, reforming the state administrative apparatus towards a streamlined, effective, and efficient structure is not only an urgent requirement but also an inevitable trend to enhance national competitiveness, create a modern administration that serves the people, and promote sustainable development.
.png)
From the 7th National Congress to the present, the Party has continuously issued numerous resolutions and conclusions to guide the implementation of the policy of reforming and streamlining the organizational structure of the political system to ensure efficient and effective operation. In particular, Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW (12th Congress) on "Some issues concerning the continued reform and streamlining of the organizational structure of the political system to ensure efficient and effective operation" has laid the foundation for the process of organizational restructuring and personnel reduction in recent years.
However, in the context of strong globalization and digital transformation, the need to streamline the organizational structure of the political system has never been as urgent, comprehensive, and groundbreaking as it is today. Our country is entering a new stage of development with very high demands on governance capacity, operational efficiency, and comprehensive digital transformation. Reforming the organizational structure is not just an option, but the only path to creating breakthroughs in the development process.
Speaking at the National Conference on the Implementation of Resolution of the 11th Central Committee Meeting, 13th term, General Secretary To Lam stated: "The reorganization of administrative units and the establishment of a two-tiered government is a policy stemming from a long-term strategic vision for national development."
The General Secretary requested: “Party committees, party organizations, and leaders at all levels must focus on leading and directing the decisive implementation of tasks with the spirit of ‘playing their roles correctly and knowing their lines,’ coordinating synchronously and smoothly from the central level to the local level and between localities, not allowing the mentality of ‘my way or your way,’ ‘this locality or that locality,’ but ‘all for the common good of the country and the people.’”
Earlier, at the third session of the Central Steering Committee on summarizing Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, the General Secretary emphasized: "The streamlining of the organizational structure is very correct, very appropriate, and in line with the Party's will and the people's aspirations." This affirmation not only demonstrates strategic vision but also a decisive message about the actions of the entire Party in the vigorous reform of the political system.
To date, the reform of the administrative apparatus in our country is no longer limited to pilot, localized steps, but has shifted to comprehensive implementation from the central to local levels. More importantly, streamlining is not limited to organization but focuses on the quality of service. A smoothly functioning and efficient political system is a prerequisite for digital government and digital society, thereby strengthening public trust and enhancing the nation's position in the era of globalization.
.png)
As a province with a large area, a large population, and a complex geographical area, Nghe An is one of the leading localities in implementing administrative reorganization. This is not only an organizational challenge, but also a test of leadership capacity and the spirit of innovation.
Speaking at the meeting of the Provincial Steering Committee on administrative unit restructuring and the establishment of a two-tiered local government, the Secretary of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee, Nguyen Duc Trung, emphasized: “The restructuring of commune-level administrative units and the establishment of a two-tiered local government model is an extremely important and meaningful task. This is not only about restructuring the organizational apparatus, but also about clearly decentralizing power, rearranging development space, and allocating resources effectively. The biggest goal is to build a government that is close to the people, responsive to their needs, and serves them as quickly and effectively as possible.”
With strong political determination, Nghe An province has unanimously decided to reduce nearly 68.5% of its commune-level administrative units (from 412 to approximately 130). This is not a mechanical number, but the result of a well-planned process, thorough surveys, dialogue with the people, and is a testament to the synchronized involvement of the entire political system.
According to Nguyen Viet Hung, Director of the Nghe An Department of Internal Affairs, the streamlining process is linked to standardizing job positions, reviewing staffing levels, and realistically assessing the capabilities of officials. Simultaneously, it aims to increase accountability, shorten the time for processing administrative procedures, and improve the investment and business environment.
It is noteworthy that this process received strong support from the people – the direct beneficiaries. The people understood that streamlining the administrative apparatus not only saved budget resources but also improved service efficiency. This public support was a tremendous driving force behind the success of this revolution.
.png)
Streamlining the administrative apparatus does not mean simplification, but rather optimization, reducing hierarchical levels, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, and enhancing implementation capacity. This is also an essential requirement for realizing a digital government and digital administration, where all management and operational activities are conducted on a digital technology platform, transparently, quickly, and efficiently.
More broadly, this is an important step in the process of perfecting the socialist rule of law, where power is tightly controlled, clearly decentralized, but without neglecting responsibility.
Reform cannot succeed if it relies solely on administrative orders. The core issue is a transformation from mindset to action within each Party organization, each agency, and each cadre and Party member. Everyone needs to self-reflect, be ready to innovate, and avoid a hesitant or evasive attitude.
General Secretary To Lam clearly stated: "Streamlined, strong, efficient, effective, and efficient" – this is not only a criterion for evaluating the organizational structure, but also a guiding principle for action throughout the entire process of reforming the political system. This is the compass for development in the new phase.
Despite the many challenges ahead, as the Secretary of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee, Nguyen Duc Trung, emphasized: Districts, cities, and towns must strive to overcome difficulties; do a good job of mass mobilization and ideological work for cadres, civil servants, and workers to effectively carry out tasks, with the spirit of "All for the people, taking the people as the center, subject, goal, and driving force for development!".
With strategic vision, strong political determination, decisive and coordinated action from the central to local levels, and especially with consensus throughout society, we believe that the "revolution to streamline the administrative apparatus" will open a new chapter in the process of building a modern state that serves the people, fosters development, and lives up to the trust and strong aspirations of the nation!
