Full text of the closing speech of the 12th Central Conference by General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong

Nghe An Newspaper respectfully publishesfull text of this important speech.

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong delivered a closing speech at the conference.Photo: Tri Dung/VNA

Dear Central Committee comrades,

Dear Conference attendees,

After 4 days of urgent, serious, democratic, united and highly responsible work, the 12th Conference of the Central Executive Committee completed all the contents of the proposed program. The Central Executive Committee reviewed and decided on the direction of personnel work of the 13th Central Executive Committee; the direction of election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2021-2026 term; the criteria, number and allocation of delegates to the 13th National Congress of the Party; and at the same time gave opinions on a number of other important issues. The Politburo fully absorbed and explained issues on which there were still different opinions.The Central Executive Committee unanimously approved the Conference Resolution.

Next, on behalf of the Politburo, I would like to summarize the main results of the Conference and emphasize a number of issues to unify leadership and direction for implementation.

Firstly, regarding the direction of personnel work of the 13th Central Executive Committee: Deeply aware of the significance and importance of personnel preparation work for the 13th Party Congress, with the spirit of considering cadres and cadre work as "the root of all work", the decisive factor for the success or failure of the revolution, the Central Executive Committee discussed thoroughly, contributed many passionate and profound opinions and highly agreed with the Politburo's Report to the Conference.

Specifically:

Regarding the requirements for building the 13th Central Executive Committee, the Central Committee emphasized: In the coming years, the world and regional situation is forecast to continue to have rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments, creating both opportunities, advantages, and difficulties and challenges; posing many new issues and great new requirements for the cause of innovation, national development, and protection of the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Fatherland; hostile forces are still looking for every way to sabotage the revolutionary cause of our people.

That situation requires our Party, more than ever, to be truly steadfast, to maintain its revolutionary and scientific nature, to be closely attached to the people, and to be trusted and loved by the people.

As the highest leadership body of the Party between two Congresses, the 13th Central Executive Committee must be a truly united, clean, strong collective, unified in will and action, with firm political will, pure moral qualities, steadfast in the goals of national independence and socialism; exemplary in intelligence, strategic vision, innovative and creative thinking; exemplary for the entire Party in terms of fighting spirit and discipline; closely attached to the people, knowing how to listen, self-criticize and criticize seriously, gathering solidarity and unity within the entire Party and people; having enough prestige and capacity to lead the country in the new period.

The Central Committee agreed that the determination of criteria for members of the 13th Central Executive Committee must be based on the general criteria for cadres stipulated in Party resolutions and pay special attention to the following issues:

- Have a deep patriotism, have a strong political stance, be steadfast in the goal of national independence and socialism, be absolutely loyal to Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh's thought, the Party's Platform and guidelines, the State's Constitution and the interests of the nation and people; have a high fighting spirit, resolutely fight against hostile and erroneous viewpoints, protect the Party's ideological foundation; be exemplary in implementing the Party's principles and discipline, the State's laws, match words with deeds, dare to face difficulties and challenges, be resolute in action, and work effectively.

- Possessing moral qualities and a pure, exemplary lifestyle, trusted by cadres, party members and the people; having a high sense of responsibility, dedicated to work; daring to sacrifice personal interests for the common interests of the Party and the country. Not being corrupt, bureaucratic, opportunistic, selfish, power-hungry and determined to fight against negative manifestations, bureaucracy and corruption; not allowing spouses, children and relatives to take advantage of their positions for personal gain; being conscious of maintaining solidarity and unity within the Party, being exemplary in complying with the Party's assignment of work and organizational and disciplinary principles, especially the principles of democratic centralism, self-criticism and criticism; being fair and just in evaluating and using cadres.

- Have the intelligence, vision, and qualifications to participate in formulating guidelines, policies, and collective leadership of the Central Executive Committee; have the capacity to concretize, lead, direct, and organize the successful implementation of the Party's guidelines, policies, and tasks, and the country's development strategy in the new period; through practice, clearly demonstrate that they are capable, creative, work effectively, dare to think, dare to do, dare to take responsibility; unite, gather, and promote the team of cadres in the assigned fields and areas, lead agencies and units to successfully complete assigned functions and tasks; have awareness, responsibility, and ability to participate in discussions and contribute to the common decisions of the Central Executive Committee; be healthy enough to complete the tasks.

Members of the Politburo and the Secretariat must be truly exemplary comrades of the Central Executive Committee in terms of political mettle, moral qualities, intelligence, fighting spirit, leadership and management capacity, sense of organization and discipline; have vision and strategic thinking, be able to analyze, forecast, synthesize, and propose new issues correctly; have a deep understanding of political theory, know how to discover and use virtuous and talented people; be official members of the Central Executive Committee, fulfill assigned tasks well, be within the prescribed age and be healthy enough to undertake the tasks.

Absolutely do not allow into the Central Executive Committee those who have one of the following shortcomings:

(1) Unsteady political stance; not steadfast in the Party's guidelines and viewpoints; showing signs of political opportunism, ambition for power, flattery, lobbying, corruption, bureaucracy, localism, personal lobbying, factionalism, and group interests; lacking opinions, not defending what is right, not fighting what is wrong.

(2) Violating the principle of democratic centralism, demagogy, authoritarianism, arbitrariness, unfairness and inequity in evaluating and using cadres, and suppressing outspoken fighters and critics.

(3) Allowing serious internal disunity or allowing corruption, loss, or major negative incidents to occur in the locality, agency, or unit.

(4) Not willing to study and learn; conservative, stagnant, ineffective at work, talk a lot but do little, talk does not match action.

(5) Poor sense of discipline, not following the organization's instructions and assignments, low prestige.

(6) Untruthful declaration of assets, showing signs of getting rich quickly, having many houses, many lands, many other assets without clearly explaining their origin; oneself or spouse, children having an exemplary lifestyle, taking advantage of power to gain illegal profits.

(7) Violation of regulations on political history or current politics.

On the basis of ensuring standards, the 13th Central Executive Committee needs to have a reasonable number and structure to ensure comprehensive leadership, inheritance, stability, innovation and development. Increase the number of Central Committee members in key positions, areas and fields of work; pay attention to increasing the proportion of young cadres, female cadres, and cadres from ethnic minorities. The 13th Central Executive Committee needs to have 3 age groups (under 50; 50-60 and 61 years old and above). In any special case where it is necessary to structure the Central Executive Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat beyond the prescribed age, the Politburo will consider and submit to the Central Executive Committee for consideration and decision on nomination to the Party Congress.

Regarding the method and process of introducing and selecting personnel for the 13th Central Executive Committee, the Central Committee highly agrees with the Politburo's Report, including the introduction of Party committees, Party organizations, agencies and units directly under the Central Committee. The introduction and selection of personnel must be based on the prescribed standards and conditions, generally on the basis of the Central Executive Committee, Politburo, Secretariat Planning and the results of the Central Committee's high-confidence introduction, especially for key leadership positions of the Party and State; closely linked with the arrangement and assignment of leadership personnel of Party and State agencies for the 2021-2026 term and the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations for the coming term. The Congress Personnel Subcommittee and the Politburo need to closely direct the introduction and selection of personnel to ensure compliance with the Party Charter, the regulations and rules of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat, ensuring both the promotion of democracy and the concentration and unity in leadership, direction, and the correct implementation of the policies and measures decided by the Central Committee. In particular, Central Committee members must be exemplary, have a very high sense of responsibility, be truly impartial, objective, transparent, strictly comply with the Party's organizational principles, regulations, and rules in the process of introducing and selecting personnel for the 13th Central Executive Committee, and put the common cause of the Party and the nation above all else. Resolutely fight against manifestations of opportunism, local manipulation, factions, group interests, etc.; be vigilant against the plots of hostile forces that seek to sabotage, divide, and cause internal turmoil.

In cases where there are petitions, letters of denunciation, complaints or need to be considered regarding politics, moral qualities, lifestyle, etc., the Central Inspection Committee and the Central Internal Political Protection Subcommittee will closely coordinate with relevant agencies to inspect, review carefully, and draw clear conclusions before the Politburo considers and decides. The synthesis of opinions from Party committees, Party organizations, agencies, units, etc. must be carried out according to a strict, objective, and scientific process.

Second, regarding the direction of the election of deputies to the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the next term, the Central Executive Committee acknowledged and commended the efforts of the National Assembly Party Delegation and relevant agencies and units in urgently researching, summarizing, and developing a Project on the direction of the election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 term.

Basically agreeing with the proposals stated in the Report of the National Assembly Party Delegation, the Conference emphasized: The election of National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies at all levels this time continues to be held on the same day nationwide, in the context of the entire Party, people and army actively implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, continuing to promote comprehensive and synchronous innovation, building and perfecting the socialist rule-of-law State according to the provisions of the 2013 Constitution and newly promulgated laws on the organization of the state apparatus.

To ensure the successful organization of the election, meet the set goals and requirements, and make the election day truly a festival for all people, it is necessary to promote the leadership, direction, and organization of the Party committees, authorities, and the entire political system from the central to grassroots levels; the response, active participation, and full promotion of the rights and obligations of citizens of voters nationwide. Strive to introduce and select and elect truly representative National Assembly and People's Council deputies who are worthy of representing the will, aspirations, and mastery of the people; ensure the right standards, sufficient numbers, and a reasonable structure, in which the standards and quality of deputies are the top priority, not lowering the standards because of the structure. Strive to elect enough 500 National Assembly deputies and achieve the ratio of full-time National Assembly deputies.

During the preparation and conduct of the election, it is necessary to thoroughly and seriously implement the Party and State's policies on the arrangement and assignment of cadres in state agencies at the central and local levels; link the personnel results of party congresses at all levels and cadre planning with the work of preparing personnel for National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies at all levels.

The criteria for candidates and nominees for election as National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies must be based on the criteria prescribed in the Law on Organization of the National Assembly, the Law on Organization of Local Government, and the criteria for cadres prescribed in resolutions and regulations of the Party. In addition to the general criteria, candidates for election as National Assembly deputies and full-time People's Council deputies must also meet specific requirements on political capacity, moral qualities, educational level, professional field, job position and age according to the provisions of the law on civil servants and public employees.

As for candidates for the National Assembly, they need to meet high requirements on political qualities, grasp the Party's guidelines and viewpoints; understand the law and have the capacity to build laws; have deep expertise and practical knowledge.

Based on the summary and experience of organizing the election of National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies in recent terms and the Central Committee's contributions, especially on limitations and shortcomings, it is necessary to have specific and strict adjustments and supplements to the regulations on responsibilities, powers and coordination of agencies and units in charge of organizing elections; nomination and candidacy processes; allocation of candidates for National Assembly deputies introduced by the Central Committee; appraisal of dossiers of self-nominated candidates for National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies; election propaganda and campaigning; settlement of complaints and denunciations, etc.

In the case of self-nomination, there must also be a strict process, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the law. Clearly define what can and cannot be done in the election campaign; avoid unhealthy "campaigning".

Based on the Resolution of this Central Conference, the Politburo will issue a Directive and direct the National Assembly Party Delegation to urgently complete the Project to submit to the National Assembly for consideration and decision to organize implementation, ensuring preparation and successful organization of the election of National Assembly deputies and People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2021-2026 term.

Third, regarding the allocation of delegates to the 13th National Party Congress, with practical experience in organizing Party Congresses at all levels, Central Committee members have contributed many specific and accurate opinions. The Central Committee highly agrees with the principles and bases for allocating delegates and the expected number of delegates for Party Committees directly under the Central Committee and assigns the Politburo to specifically decide on the allocation of delegates. The Party Committees directly under the Central Committee need to seriously implement the Central Committee's decisions, select truly worthy and exemplary delegates to represent their Party Committees to attend the 13th National Congress of the Party.

Fourth, on reviewing the leadership and direction of the Politburo and Secretariat in 2019: The Central Executive Committee approved the Report on reviewing the leadership and direction of the Politburo and Secretariat in 2019; highly appreciated the preparation work, the implementation process and the review results; and believed that the review was conducted seriously, receptively and in accordance with principles. The Central Committee affirmed that the Politburo and Secretariat are a collective leadership with high solidarity and unity in politics and ideology; steadfast in the goals and ideals of the Party, Marxism-Leninism, and Ho Chi Minh Thought; resolutely protecting the Party, protecting the regime, protecting national independence and sovereignty. The Politburo and Secretariat strictly implemented the principle of democratic centralism and the Working Regulations, ensuring collective leadership, while promoting the role of individuals within the assigned scope of work. The activities of the Politburo and Secretariat are democratic, straightforward, uphold principles and working regimes, are sincere and receptive.

In 2019, in the context of complicated and unpredictable developments in the international and domestic situation, and the country's many difficulties and challenges, the Politburo and the Secretariat have always closely followed the viewpoints and guidelines stated in the Platform, Strategy, Resolution of the National Congress of the Party and the practical situation to promptly have correct policies and decisions, lead the entire Party and people to overcome difficulties and challenges, and achieve important achievements in all areas of domestic and foreign affairs.

At the same time, the Central Committee also pointed out the limitations and shortcomings of the Politburo and Secretariat in leadership and direction; welcomed the Politburo and Secretariat's serious self-criticism and criticism, and frankly admitted their shortcomings to the Central Committee on the work that had not been done. The Central Committee requested the Politburo and Secretariat to absorb the Central Committee's valid comments to have more synchronous, strong and drastic solutions in leading and directing the implementation of tasks in 2020 and the coming years.

Fifth, regarding personnel work, implementing Plan No. 11-KH/TW, dated November 6, 2018 of the Politburo, the Central Executive Committee has conducted a vote to introduce personnel for the Politburo and Secretariat of the 13th term in accordance with Party regulations. The Central Executive Committee has elected two additional members of the Central Inspection Committee of the 12th term.

Also at this Conference, the Central Executive Committee considered and decided to discipline by expelling from the Party Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, former member of the Party Central Committee and former Deputy Minister of National Defense.

Dear comrades,

Since the beginning of the year, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound and comprehensive impact on all aspects of socio-economic life, leaving very serious consequences for countries around the world, including Vietnam. Thanks to the sharp and correct leadership of the Party and State, the drastic and timely direction and management of the Government and the Prime Minister, the synchronous and active participation of the entire political system; the consensus, response and strong support of compatriots, comrades and soldiers nationwide and our compatriots abroad, we have controlled, basically controlled and prevented the spread in the community, minimizing the damage and losses caused by the pandemic, bringing joy, confidence and pride to the people of the whole country, which has been recognized and highly appreciated by the world.

The Central Executive Committee warmly welcomes, commends and deeply thanks all compatriots, comrades and soldiers nationwide and our compatriots abroad for uniting in heart, will and action, resolutely and effectively implementing the policies of the Party and State, the direction and administration of the Government, the Prime Minister, ministries, branches and localities.

The fact that we have been able to prevent and control the pandemic is a strong testament to the good nature of our regime and the political system in our country, and to the tradition of solidarity, patriotism, humanity and indomitable will of our nation and people; the more difficult and challenging the situation, the more that nature and tradition are multiplied.

However, we absolutely must not be subjective or complacent because the tasks ahead are still very difficult and heavy, the situation is still complicated and unpredictable. On the one hand, we must continue to monitor and grasp the complicated developments of the pandemic to have timely response solutions, must quickly overcome the consequences of the pandemic, restore production and business, stabilize jobs and people's lives. On the other hand, we must focus on removing difficulties, finding effective solutions to concentrate on completing the goals and tasks of 2020 at the highest level.

I request that the Central Committee members further uphold their sense of responsibility to the Party, the people and the country, focus on leading and directing the effective implementation of the Resolution of the 12th National Congress, the resolutions of the Central Committee and the Resolution of this Central Conference. In particular, proactively and actively participate in preparing and successfully conducting the Party Congresses at all levels and the 13th National Congress of the Party.

I hereby declare the 12th Conference of the 12th Party Central Committee closed. I wish you good health and success in fulfilling your responsibilities to the Party, the people and the country.

Thank you very much./.