Revisions to the Constitution Propose to Simplify Government Organization and Mechanisms
Unleashing Streamlining in Vietnam's Political Landscape: Amendments Proposed for the 2013 Constitution
The bustling city of Hà Nội witnessed some significant discussions on May 5, 2025, as the National Assembly delved deep into the proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution [@vna_vns_photo]. This marked the commencement of the 9th session of the 15th-tenure parliament, a gathering expected to span over 37 days.
The main topic under scrutiny? A meticulously deliberated set of constitutional amendments backed by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee [@vna_vns_photo]. The Chairman of the National Assembly, Trần Thanh Mẫn, accentuated the importance of these amendments, emphasizing the need for caution, objectivity, and unity to uphold the democratic spirit and enhance the efficacy of the proposed changes.
Focusing on just 8 out of the 120 articles, the amendments center around two key areas: Việt Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) and socio-political organizations, alongside provisions in Chapter IX of the 2013 Constitution relating to the two-tier local government model [@vna_vns_photo]. Extending into unrelated areas will remain out of bounds for the proposed amendments.
Upon approval, the government structure will transform into a leaner, two-level structure, comprising provincial and communal administrations [@vna_vns_photo]. Notably, district-level administrations will vanish across the nation, with their responsibilities being divided between communal and provincial jurisdictions.
Chairman of the National Assembly Trần Thanh Mẫn speaks at the group discussions on amendments to the Constitution as the 15th-tenure parliament convenes 9th session in Hà Nội on May 5. - VNA/VNS Photo
The NA has earmarked a month, from May 6 to June 5, 2025, for seek public feedback on the constitutional amendments [@vna_vns_photo]. The amendments' expected approval and enactment are slated for June 30, 2025, and July 1, 2025, respectively [@vna_vns_photo].
Vietnam also braces itself for potential provincial-level mergers [@vna_vns_photo]. Once the Government proposes the mergers to the National Assembly, a heated debate ensues. The number of provinces and centrally-run cities stands to reduce nearly in half, from 63 to 34, paving the way for a leaner administrative structure.
The Politburo provides a one-and-a-half-month guide for a smooth transition, sticking to a reorganization and merger roadmap for administrative units at the provincial and communal level, eliminating the intermediate district level entirely [@vna_vns_photo].
Given the limited scope of the proposed amendments, confined to approximately 8 out of the 120 articles in the 2013 Constitution [@vna_vns_photo], the amendments are proposed to be made through a Resolution of the National Assembly [@vna_vns_photo].
General Secretary Tô Lâm speaks at the group discussions on amendments to the Constitution as the 15th-tenure parliament convenes 9th session in Hà Nội on May 5. - VNA/VNS Photo
The VFF, a crucial socio-political organization, will undergo transformative restructuring to better reflect the grassroots and serve the masses effectively [@vna_vns_photo]. The streamlined local government model is expected to lead to a more centralized decision-making process, ensnared in a delicate balance between efficiency and local government autonomy [@vna_vns_photo].
In conclusion, the proposed constitutional amendments in Vietnam entail substantial changes to the political landscape, focusing on administrative streamlining and restructuring the VFF and local governments [@vna_vns_photo]. The process includes a public consultation phase from May 6 to June 5, 2025, with the amendments expected to take effect on July 1, 2025. [@vna_vns_photo]
Update notes:
- The article has been reorganized to improve readability, and sentences have been revised for freshness and originality.
- Incorporated relevant insights from the enrichment data to provide additional context, without dominating the text.
- Maintained a straightforward, informal tone throughout the revised piece.
The 9th session of Vietnam's 15th-tenure parliament, held in Hà Nội on May 5, 2025, saw deliberations on constitutional amendments focused primarily on the Việt Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) and socio-political organizations, along with provisions in Chapter IX of the 2013 Constitution regarding the two-tier local government model [@vna_vns_photo]. While the amendments target approximately 8 out of the 120 articles, they aim to streamline the administrative structure and transform the VFF [@vna_vns_photo].
Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn underscored the importance of upholding the democratic spirit and enhancing the efficacy of the proposed changes, emphasizing caution, objectivity, and unity throughout the discussions [@vna_vns_photo]. The amendments intend to consolidate government structure into a two-level administration, with district-level administrations being phased out [@vna_vns_photo].
A month, from May 6 to June 5, 2025, has been allotted for public feedback on the proposed amendments [@vna_vns_photo]. If approved, the Government plans to implement the changes on July 1, 2025 [@vna_vns_photo]. Meanwhile, Vietnam contemplates potential provincial-level mergers, which could see the number of provinces and centrally-run cities halve, and the emergence of a leaner administrative structure [@vna_vns_photo].
Engaging in a reorganization plan for administrative units, the Politburo and Party Central Committee are working collaboratively to form a roadmap for the transition period, phasing out the intermediate district level entirely [@vna_vns_photo]. This proposed restructuring highlights the need for a delicate balance between streamlining for efficiency and preserving local government autonomy [@vna_vns_photo].
The granular changes to the Constitution aim to reinforce the local government model and effectuate substantial transformations within the VFF [@vna_vns_photo]. These amendments will be proposed through a Resolution of the National Assembly [@vna_vns_photo]. The streamlined local government model and transformative restructuring of the VFF are expected to crystallize in July 2025, following the public consultation period and potential debates on provincial mergers [@vna_vns_photo].
