On the morning of 4/5, General Secretary and President To Lam, along with National Assembly delegates from Hanoi's electoral unit one, met with constituents after the First Session of the 16th National Assembly. This unit comprises ten wards: Ba Dinh, Ngoc Ha, Giang Vo, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Dong Da, Kim Lien, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Lang, and O Cho Dua.

Speaking at the meeting, General Secretary and President To Lam stated that he had repeatedly suggested that the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee research and develop a model for socialist wards and communes. He emphasized the goal that by 2045, when the country becomes a developed nation with high-income citizens, it would be time to conclude the transitional period towards socialism.

The Party and State leader believes that according to Marx's theory, the process of advancing to socialism requires a period of accumulation and foundation building for development. Vietnam, transitioning from a backward feudal nation, must pass through this stage, and if the 2045 goal is achieved, the transitional period could be overcome.

"Many people ask how long the transitional period will last; when that goal is achieved, we will enter the construction of a new society", General Secretary and President To Lam said.

General Secretary and President To Lam speaking at the meeting with constituents on the morning of 4/5. Photo: Hoang Phong

The General Secretary and President stated that a pilot program to build one socialist ward or commune could begin to gain experience, clarify the organizational model, and its capacity to meet the living needs of the people. He proposed that Hanoi select one model ward for renovation and development according to this model, or establish a new ward with a population of 500,000 to 1 million people, investing in synchronized infrastructure, schools, hospitals, public spaces, and smart urban development.

According to the General Secretary and President, when large-scale implementation is not yet possible, it is feasible to start at the ward and commune level so that people can directly experience it, thereby creating a model for other localities. He believes that with its potential and development speed, Hanoi is fully capable of carrying out the pilot program.

"If Hanoi succeeds, the capital will not only develop faster and become more modern, but also become a more livable, humane, civilized city, more deserving of its role as the country's center", he emphasized.

Previously, on 30/3, during a working session with the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee, General Secretary and President To Lam suggested piloting this model. On 20/4, Hanoi established a Steering Committee for the construction of socialist commune and ward models linked with socialist individuals for the 2026-2030 period and subsequent years.

Vo Hai