During a working session on the afternoon of 17/3, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to promptly finalize the project for submission to the Government and National Assembly on schedule.

This directive follows the 14th National Party Congress, which elected 200 Central Committee members, and recent national elections for 16th National Assembly delegates. The 500 elected delegates are expected to be announced on 22/3. In early april, the 16th National Assembly will convene its first session to consolidate leadership positions within the Party and State, including the new term Government.

The Government operates for the term of the National Assembly. The current Government's term spans 5 years, from 2021 to 2026, and will be consolidated when the new National Assembly begins its term.

Currently, the Government is led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and includes 9 Deputy Prime Ministers: Pham Thi Thanh Tra, Nguyen Hoa Binh (permanent), Ho Quoc Dung, Ho Duc Phuoc, Tran Hong Ha, Le Thanh Long, Bui Thanh Son, Nguyen Chi Dung, and Mai Van Chinh. Of these, only Pham Thi Thanh Tra and Ho Quoc Dung are members of the 14th Central Committee.

Following a streamlining initiative in early 2025, the Government apparatus comprises 17 ministries and ministry-level agencies. The current ministries and ministry-level agencies are: National Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Justice, Finance, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Environment, Construction, Culture Sports and Tourism, Science and Technology, Education and Training, Health, Ethnic Minorities and Religion, State Bank of Vietnam, Government Inspectorate, and Government Office.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra. Photo: Thu Giang

In 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister requested the home affairs sector to prioritize improving the operational efficiency of local administrations, especially at the commune level; and adjust assignments to localities that have not been effective. Decrees covering civil servants, public employees, employment, organizational structure, staffing, local administration, and salaries require synchronous completion.

Regarding the organizational structure at the commune level, the Deputy Prime Minister clarified that a rigid model for specialized departments should not be applied. The average framework of 4-5 departments is only a guideline; localities should arrange based on actual needs. The Ministry of Home Affairs must conduct a comprehensive review and ensure reasonable allocation, avoiding areas with surplus or shortage.

Vu Tuan