"Oversight must be in-depth, and criticism must be well-founded and responsible," stated Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, while directing the first Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Fatherland Front Congress for the 2025-2030 term, on the morning of 30/11. The front organization needs to record, reflect, and promptly address issues, ensuring citizens' opinions are not forgotten.

Secretary Tran Luu Quang believes that the courage to promptly correct mistakes will strengthen public trust in the Front and the political system. By fulfilling this role effectively, the Front helps the government identify and rectify errors, while also enhancing national unity and fostering an environment of transparency and accountability in social governance.

Secretary of the City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang speaks at the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Fatherland Front Congress, on the morning of 30/11. *Photo: An Phuong*.

Regarding upcoming tasks, Quang proposed that oversight and criticism must be substantive and focused. It should not stop at general feedback but must deeply engage in the city's major projects and important decisions. Some areas requiring oversight include: the implementation of Resolution 98 on specific mechanisms; public service ethics and the service spirit of officials; and in-depth consultation for reforms related to planning and social welfare.

Additionally, the front organization needs to innovate its operational methods, especially by applying technology to social oversight and criticism. Building a digital interaction ecosystem will help the Front connect regularly with citizens, creating a channel for them to submit feedback and report issues. One initiative mentioned is establishing a 24/7 online hotline to receive and publicly track the progress of addressing recommendations.

The city's Fatherland Front was also requested to strongly mobilize social resources and build new development spaces. It will act as a core connector, inspiring participation from intellectuals, experts, entrepreneurs, religious dignitaries, and the Vietnamese community abroad.

The first Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Fatherland Front Congress took place on 29-30/11, with 500 official delegates and 380 guests. This is the first congress since Ho Chi Minh City merged with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

At the opening session held yesterday, the Congress deliberated and selected 146 individuals for the first Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, for the 2025-2030 term. Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, continues as Chairman, with 8 vice chairmen, including Truong Thi Bich Hanh as Permanent Vice Chairman.

According to the report, for the 2025-2030 term, the city's Front will implement a breakthrough program, "Digital Front – Digital Mass Education", and two key focuses: implementing grassroots democracy under the motto "people know, people discuss, people do, people inspect, people supervise, people benefit"; and jointly effectively implement central pillar resolutions and specialized resolutions.

Le Tuyet