Speaking at a meeting with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee on 23/6, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized that "public enthusiasm contrasted with cadre concerns isn't right". He requested a serious analysis and assessment of this situation, as the country is implementing a major overhaul of its administrative apparatus from the central to the local levels.

The general secretary pointed out that the Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations have too many intermediary levels, with a large upper echelon and a smaller lower level – the one closest to the people. This inverted pyramid model hinders direct engagement with the public, leads to overlapping responsibilities, and blurs accountability. "When one person participates in multiple organizations, achievements are shared, but shortcomings have no clear owner," he said.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks on the morning of 23/6. Photo: Hoang Phong

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks on the morning of 23/6. Photo: Hoang Phong

According to the general secretary, to achieve Vietnam's goals of becoming a developing country by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045, it's crucial to mobilize public support and consensus, especially in implementing the Politburo's four pillar resolutions (numbers 57, 59, 66, and 68). The Fatherland Front needs to mobilize all resources, spread the spirit of innovation, and provide timely guidance for the new apparatus to become operational from 1/7.

"We must be close to the people, understand their aspirations, and prioritize national interests and the people's happiness," the general secretary noted.

He proposed that commune-level Fatherland Front units – with the new model having only 8-10 staff members – should be the first to know if people are hungry, affected by natural disasters, or facing illness, so they can work with the government to provide assistance. Public and business opinions must be considered a "lens" reflecting policy effectiveness.

The general secretary also requested a review and streamlining of press agencies under the Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations, ensuring modernity and professionalism. All levels of the Fatherland Front should actively contribute to the draft documents of the Party Congress and encourage voter participation in National Assembly and People's Council elections.

The general secretary praised the Fatherland Front's role in uniting the people, promoting national unity, supporting vulnerable groups, overcoming natural disasters, and developing housing for the poor. He highlighted the mobilization of over 5,300 billion VND to support people affected by Typhoon Yagi in 2024 and the program to eliminate over 200,000 temporary houses.

"The tradition of unity of the Vietnamese people is an invaluable asset, built and nurtured by the sweat and blood of generations, and no force can divide this unity," the general secretary stressed.

Vu Tuan