Speaking at the government's 80th-anniversary celebration on 20/8, Party General Secretary To Lam recalled that 80 years ago, under the Party's leadership, the entire nation achieved independence and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The nascent revolutionary government faced numerous challenges, including internal enemies, foreign aggressors, famine, illiteracy, and an empty treasury. "It was in these harsh conditions that the resilience of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people was forged," he stated.

According to the general secretary, the early government officials simultaneously managed the nation, fought wars, designed institutions, and built the first foundations of a socialist rule-of-law state. During the two resistance wars, the government shouldered the entire national apparatus under wartime conditions, mobilized the people, organized production, maintained discipline, and transformed limited resources into national strength. From sharing a single grain of rice to splitting a bowl of rice, the government embodied the spirit of "constancy amidst change," steadfastly pursuing the goal of independence and freedom while remaining flexible and innovative in its strategies.

After reunification, the government continued its mission of overcoming the consequences of war and embarked on the task of national reconstruction. Amidst scarcity, successive generations of government leaders explored and piloted new mechanisms, unlocking social resources. When the Doi Moi reforms were initiated, the government spearheaded the shift in thinking, transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy, laying the groundwork for a new era of development.

The general secretary emphasized, "Gratitude is for remembrance, and remembrance is for continuing the journey. The government's tradition can be encapsulated in a few words: resilience, discipline, unity, integrity, action, innovation, effectiveness, and service to the people." He acknowledged that behind every growth figure lies the effort, intellect, and responsibility of generations of officials. Behind the nation's development is the silent sacrifice of those who maintain their integrity, uphold the law, and prioritize national and public interests.

"Every step we have taken has been imbued with the mark of unity, intellect, and discipline; of steadfast goals and flexible strategies; of the Party's will harmonizing with the people's hearts," the general secretary said.

He stated that every 5-year plan, national target program, infrastructure project, or policy on poverty reduction, universal education, health insurance, or new rural development represents concrete steps to ensure "no one is left behind."

The general secretary expressed gratitude to past generations of government leaders – "living histories" and "warm flames" who pass on experience and inspire the younger generation, so that today's officials "in the most difficult times, still remember the path and take firm steps." He expressed his hope that previous generations will continue to accompany, advise, and share their national governance experience, enabling the current government to inherit, develop, and steer the country further along the path of development.

Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh before the ceremony. Photo: Hoang Phong

Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh before the ceremony. Photo: Hoang Phong

Prime minister: The government is the servant of the people

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that all government policies are people-centered, ensuring equity and sustainable development. He emphasized, "The government is the servant of the people... Whatever benefits the people, we must strive to do. Whatever harms the people, we must strive to avoid."

According to the prime minister, over the past 80 years, the government has constantly innovated to meet development demands. During the war, the government led the people in "all-people resistance, comprehensive resistance," overcoming countless difficulties to achieve victory and restore peace in Indochina.

When the country was divided, the government simultaneously carried out two tasks: building socialism in the North and fighting for the liberation of the South. Movements like "Three Readies," "Three Responsibilities," and "Dai Phong Wind" ignited the spirit of national unity, contributing to the victory in the spring of 1975, completely liberating the South, and reunifying the country.

After reunification, the government focused on overcoming the consequences of war, building the economy, and fulfilling international obligations. Under the subsidized economic mechanism, several contract policies in agriculture and industry were issued, notably "Contract 10" in 1988, which helped Vietnam escape famine and become a leading rice exporter.

The 6th National Congress ushered in an era of renewal and international integration. The government directed comprehensive reforms, from institutions and laws to the socio-economy, poverty reduction, consolidation of national defense and security, and expansion of foreign relations. Vietnam transformed from an embargoed economy to an open economy, among the fastest-growing in the region, and one of the 20 largest trading nations globally. "We have never had such resources, potential, standing, and international prestige as we do today," the prime minister stressed.

Leaders and former leaders of the Party and State attended the anniversary ceremony. Photo: Hoang Phong

Leaders and former leaders of the Party and State attended the anniversary ceremony. Photo: Hoang Phong

He highlighted milestones in integration: Vietnam joining the United Nations (1977), ASEAN (1995), signing the US-Vietnam Trade Agreement (2000), participating in 17 free trade agreements, and establishing strategic and comprehensive partnerships with 38 countries, including all 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council. Concurrently, the government strengthened national defense and security; developed dual-use defense and security industries; and maintained an independent, self-reliant, and flexible foreign policy in the Ho Chi Minh style of "constancy amidst change."

A recent notable achievement is the "organizational apparatus revolution." The government streamlined administration from central to local levels, eliminating the district level and establishing two-tiered governance in 34 provinces and cities with over 3,300 communes, wards, and special zones. The administrative apparatus shifted from "management" to "facilitation and service," expediting procedures and saving costs for citizens and businesses.

The prime minister outlined 5 key lessons: upholding the banner of national independence and socialism; prioritizing the people; consolidating national unity; combining national strength with the power of the times; and placing all government activities under the Party's leadership. He called on officials and public employees to act decisively, "matching words with deeds; with the people and businesses: not saying no, not saying it's difficult, and not saying yes without doing."

Looking ahead, the government focuses on three pillars: building socialist democracy and promoting great national unity; building a state of law of the people, by the people, and for the people; and developing a socialist-oriented market economy. Three strategic breakthroughs – science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and private sector development – are identified as drivers for Vietnam's advancement.

In the social sector, the government prioritizes social security. Nationwide, the goal of eradicating temporary and dilapidated housing has been largely achieved, more than 5 years ahead of schedule, with over 334,000 houses receiving support. This demonstrates the commitment to "leaving no one behind."

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the ceremony. Photo: Hoang Phong

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the ceremony. Photo: Hoang Phong

In 2025, the government aims for GDP growth exceeding 8%, laying the foundation for double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period. Key infrastructure projects are being accelerated, including the North-South high-speed railway, expressways, seaports, and airports. "Within 2025, we will surpass the target of 3,000 km of expressways and 1,000 km of coastal roads," the prime minister stated.

The head of government also emphasized continued efforts to combat corruption and negativity, ensure fairness, and create opportunities for access to education, healthcare, and culture for all citizens. The overarching principle is not to sacrifice equity, progress, or the environment for the sake of economic growth. "People must be the center, the goal, and the driving force of development," he affirmed.

The prime minister called on compatriots, soldiers nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and the business community to uphold patriotism, self-reliance, and continue the tradition of unity, compassion, and solidarity.

"80 years of the government – one journey, one goal, with the spirit of unity, compassion, will, resilience, confidence, and aspiration. We firmly believe that the government will lead the country steadfastly into a new era, standing shoulder to shoulder with powerful nations, as President Ho Chi Minh always wished," the prime minister asserted.

Son Ha