On the morning of 18/7, in his opening speech at the 12th conference of the 13th Central Committee of the Party, General Secretary To Lam stated that the conference was held nearly three months ahead of schedule. This demonstrates "a proactive, urgent, and highly responsible spirit in comprehensively preparing for the 14th National Congress".

The General Secretary expressed gratitude to the entire Party for uniting and working together with the people of the country to successfully implement the two-level local government model from 1/7. He emphasized that this is a historic transition, opening a new chapter in the process of building a modern, ethical, streamlined, and people-oriented governance institution.

The Party leader stated that the conference is taking place as the entire political system is transitioning from a state of "running while lining up" to one of "straight lines, clear paths, and unity in progress." From the Central level to 34 provinces and cities, and over 3,300 communes, wards, and special zones, administrative apparatus at all levels are operating in a streamlined manner. This minimizes intermediaries, eliminates overlapping functions, improves governance quality, and enhances closeness to and service for the people.

The 12th Central Committee Conference will focus on discussing three main groups of topics: preparations for the 14th Congress; creating a political and legal basis for the goals of continued reform and innovation; and personnel work. Among these, the issue of high-level personnel is considered a particularly important matter, directly affecting the "success of the entire next term."

The Central Committee will consider supplementing the planning for the 14th Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat; directions for personnel work; and other matters within its jurisdiction. "Personnel must have firm political mettle, innovative thinking, ethical integrity, and decisive action for the collective and for the people, prioritizing national and ethnic interests above all else," the General Secretary said. He also emphasized adherence to President Ho Chi Minh's teaching that "cadres are the root of all work."

General Secretary To Lam delivers the opening speech at the 12th conference of the 13th Central Committee, morning of 18/7. Photo: Nhat Bac

General Secretary To Lam delivers the opening speech at the 12th conference of the 13th Central Committee, morning of 18/7. Photo: Nhat Bac

The General Secretary also requested the Central Committee to thoroughly discuss the Summary Report on Party building and implementation of the Party Charter, particularly regarding organizational models, cadre evaluation criteria, decentralized management, political theory training, inspection, supervision, and party discipline. He called the development of the Charter the "soul" of party discipline and the foundation for maintaining unity within the entire Party.

Regarding the group of content preparing documents for the Congress, the subcommittees have selectively absorbed the opinions of the Central Committee at the 11th Conference, the opinions of party members and the public, and the congresses of party committees at the commune and ward levels. Documents such as the Political Report, the Socio-Economic Report, the Party Building Report, and the summary of 40 years of renovation have been revised and supplemented multiple times. The General Secretary requested that every word in the draft be concise and accurately reflect reality, accurately forecast trends, and provide future direction. This document "must become a torch illuminating the path" for national development in the new phase.

Removing institutional bottlenecks, shaping development strategies

In the group of content related to institutional completion, the Central Committee will discuss amending and supplementing important resolutions in the fields of land, education and training, building a socialist rule-of-law state, and providing direction for adjusting the national master plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

The General Secretary believes that with the transformation of administrative, economic, and social spaces, the national legal system also needs to be improved in accordance with the new development model. Laws must be unified and synchronous, facilitating innovation, protecting what is right, removing barriers, and untying institutional knots for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, equity, and civilization.

The opening session of the 12th Central Committee Conference, 13th term, on 18/7/2025. Photo: Nhat Bac

The opening session of the 12th Central Committee Conference, 13th term, on 18/7/2025. Photo: Nhat Bac

The General Secretary noted 9 core content areas that the Central Committee needs to focus on discussing. These include objectively and comprehensively evaluating the results of the 13th term from the perspective of policy makers and implementers; identifying overall goals and strategic breakthroughs for the next term, focusing on rapid and sustainable development based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation; orienting the protection of national independence and sovereignty, maintaining socio-political stability, and promoting more comprehensive and substantive international integration; and providing opinions on integrating the three major reports into one general Political Report to submit to the Congress.

Delegates were also asked to provide specific feedback on the operation of the two-level government model being implemented nationwide. The Central Committee will listen to the difficulties from each locality and establishment to provide appropriate solutions in addition to the efforts of localities and the public service system. "Do not allow any local interests, personal feelings, or deference and avoidance to affect the quality of decisions," the General Secretary emphasized.

The 12th Central Committee Conference is scheduled to take place over two days, 18-19/7.

>>> General Secretary To Lam's opening speech at the 12th conference of the 13th Central Committee

Vu Tuan