Mr. Lò Văn Mừng (born in 1965), Member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee and Head of the provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilization, was originally set to retire in 2027. However, leading by example, he recognized that senior officials must demonstrate strong accountability for the restructuring process to proceed swiftly and effectively. This decision would also create opportunities for younger officials. As a result, Mr. Lò Văn Mừng reported to the relevant authorities and requested voluntary early retirement.

Emphasizing that his decision reflects the current political situation and the nation’s long-term direction, Mr. Lò Văn Mừng stated that he has successfully fulfilled all assigned roles throughout his career. Particularly as Member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee and Head of the provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilization, in response to Resolution No.18, he highlighted that the issue is not merely about retirement but about setting an example as a Party member, prioritizing the country’s long-term interest.

As an active contributor to the province’s governance restructuring plan, Mr. Lò Văn Mừng believed that streamlining and reorganizing local organizational apparatus is a necessary and well-aligned reform. Specifically, regarding the Commission for Mass Mobilization, under directives from the Central Party Committee, the provincial Party Committee and the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, the Commission has effectively carried out key resolutions to build a more streamlined and unified organization, aligning with the province’s and the nation’s on-going reforms.

Mr. Lò Văn Mừng’s decision to retire early for the common good has also set an example within the leadership team of the provincial Commission for Mass Mobilization. During this period, six officials from the Commission requested voluntary early retirement. Apart from Mr. Lò Văn Mừng, who held the top position, two members of the Executive Board of the provincial Party Committee, Mr. Lê Thanh Hà and Mr. Nguyễn Thành Phong, Deputy Heads of the Commission for Mass Mobilization, also chose early retirement.

At the same time, demonstrating the exemplary responsibility of a Party member, Ms. Khổng Thị Nhung, Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Mường Ảng District’s Party Committee, also requested voluntary early retirement. Born in 1974, with 27 years of service, she is the youngest among those who applied for early retirement under Resolution No.18.

For her, early retirement is not about stepping back but finding new ways to serve society. She plans to contribute to community organizations, offer guidance to local governance agencies based on her extensive experience, assist in local policy implementation, remain active in Party cell meetings, and provide input for upcoming Party congress documents.

“Choosing early retirement inevitably brings emotions and reflections, as we leave behind colleagues and the workplace where we have spent most of time at work. However, my greatest hope is for my homeland and country to prosper and grow stronger. Only then can the people enjoy a prosperous and happy life. With that in mind, I discussed with my family and decided to apply for early retirement”, said Ms. Khổng Thị Nhung.

Under Resolution No.18, in the first phase of restructuring Party-affiliated agencies, a total of 23 officials, civil servants, and employees across the province voluntarily applied for early retirement to facilitate the organizational restructuring.

Specifically, the provincial Commission for the Mass Mobilization saw six officials retire early; the provincial Commission for Information and Education had one; the Party Committee of provincial Agencies and Enterprises, the Party Committees of Điện Biên Phủ City, Điện Biên District, and Mường Lay Town each had three; the Party Committee of Tuần Giáo District had two; and the Party Committees of Điện Biên Đông and Mường Ảng Districts each had one.

Early retirement is an undeniably difficult decision, both emotionally and personally for officials, civil servants, and employees. Yet, for the greater good, many officials, especially key leaders, have set an example of Party members’ sense of responsibility.

Commending the spirit of those who applied for early retirement, at the conference announcing decisions on organizational restructuring and personnel matters held on February 12, provincial Party Secretary Trần Quốc Cường acknowledged the contributions of officials, civil servants, and employees who voluntarily retired early, thereby supporting the restructuring efforts for a more effective and efficient government restructuring.

Highlighting the significant challenges ahead and the need for urgent, responsible action, the provincial Party Secretary called on Party committees and organizations to enhance ideological efforts, actively encourage officials and Party members to stay committed, and uphold political steadfastness.