Adhering to the principle of “Central leadership comes first, local implementation follows,” the entire political system has acted with urgency and determination. The Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Government initiated the process, followed by provinces and cities nationwide. This restructuring effort represents a revolution in administrative streamlining across the country.

The term “revolution in administrative streamlining” has garnered widespread public attention. Over the past two months, the political system has undergone significant changes, decisively reorganizing and improving operational efficiency.

During the 9th extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly, four laws and multiple resolutions were passed, including measures related to state apparatus restructuring. Notably, the government structure for the 2021-2026 term was streamlined to 14 ministries, three ministerial-level agencies, and five government-affiliated agencies, reducing five ministries and agencies compared to the beginning of the term.

The number of government members has also decreased, with many officials voluntarily stepping down to create opportunities for younger generations to contribute. The process has been swift and decisive, with no hesitation, avoidance, or reluctance when addressing personnel issues. These developments highlight the determination of Vietnam’s political system to enact comprehensive and radical reforms in its administrative model, ensuring a more effective and efficient government.

Following the example set by the Central, Điện Biên Province has formulated a plan to merge provincial departments, reduce administrative units, and enhance efficiency. On February 12, 2025, the provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No.26-NQ/TU to reorganize and streamline the provincial political system.

Key adjustments include dissolution of six Party delegations (provincial People’s Council, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Women’s Union, Farmers’ Union, Veterans’ Association, and Labor Federation); dissolution of three Party executive committees (People’s Committee, People’s Procuracy, and People’s Court); transfer of functions from dissolved entities to the standing committees of respective agencies and organizations; merger of the provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Education and Dissemination with the Commission for Mass Mobilization; dissolution of the provincial Committee for the Protection and Care of Officials’ Health; and restructuring of specialized agencies under the provincial People’s Committee.

Based on Resolution No.26-NQ/TU, the provincial People’s Council passed Resolution No.224/NQ-HĐND on February 20, 2025, approving the merger of six provincial departments, namely: The Department of Finance (merging the Department of Planning and Investment with the Department of Finance); Department of Construction (merging the Department of Construction with the Department of Transport); Department of Science and Technology (merging the Department of Science and Technology with the Department of Information and Communications); Department of Agriculture and Environment (merging the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment); Department of Home Affairs (merging the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs with the Department of Home Affairs); Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (restructuring the provincial Commission for Ethnic Minority Affairs).

Following these mergers, the provincial People’s Committee now consists of 14 departments and agencies. The resolution received unanimous approval (44 out of 44 votes) from the provincial People’s Council, demonstrating strong political will and consensus in executing the administrative restructuring.

In a recent article on building a modern political system, General Secretary Tô Lâm pointed out persistent inefficiencies: The political system remains bulky, with multiple layers and overlapping responsibilities; unclear mandates, redundancies, and gaps in delegation of authority hinder governance; and personnel downsizing has focused on reducing numbers rather than improving quality and restructuring workforce composition.

To overcome these challenges, the ongoing restructuring aims to reduce administrative units, clarify functions, and eliminate inefficiencies; streamline middle management, and enhance efficiency in decision-making and implementation; and align human resource adjustments with meritocracy, allowing experienced officials to voluntarily step down for younger successors, facilitating a smoother transition.

Administrative streamlining affects individuals and organizations, requiring careful, democratic, and transparent implementation. To mitigate the impact on affected personnel, the government is developing support policies for officials leaving due to restructuring; prioritizing talent retention, training, and appropriate compensation to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce; and ensuring a fair, objective process that balances institutional reforms with individual interests.

The administrative restructuring revolution demands unity, determination, and decisive action. With comprehensive policies in place, the process must ensure that “no one is left behind” while streamlining governance for a more efficient and effective political system.