NA Standing Committee Reviews Reforms for Streamlining Governance and Protecting Worker Rights

Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee recently engaged in reviewing reforms aimed at simplifying the political system while protecting the rights and well-being of officials, civil servants, and workers. This review followed a citizen engagement report from November 2024. Deputy Head of the Ombudsman Committee, Hoàng Anh Công, highlighted strong public support for these reforms, stressing that they are crucial steps towards implementing resolutions from the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Voters praised the National Assembly and its Standing Committee for their democratic and innovative actions during the 8th session. However, citizens highlighted concerns such as land auction malpractice, business shutdowns, worker layoffs, social insurance withdrawals, and fire incidents leading to significant losses of life and property.

In response to these issues, the Ombudsman Committee recommended increased oversight of land auctions to prevent manipulation and emphasized the need for stricter food safety inspections. The National Assembly Chairman, Trần Thanh Mẫn, commended the passing of 18 laws during the session, focusing on addressing complex challenges with broad consensus among deputies.

Key legislative changes included amendments to the Law on Public Investment, which aimed to address immediate practical issues. Trần Thanh Mẫn also highlighted Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic performance, with a projected growth rate of 7% in 2024 and the achievement of all 15 socio-economic targets.

The session also witnessed bold initiatives such as allocating budget savings to address makeshift housing issues and banning the production and trade of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to promote community health. Deputy Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh emphasized the importance of public communication and workforce quality to meet modern demands.

She stressed the significance of fair policies to support individuals affected by restructuring, advocating for early retirement opportunities for senior employees and preventing skilled public sector workers from moving to the private sector. This balanced approach to political reform aims to provide benefits while addressing public concerns about infrastructure, housing shortages, and urban challenges like congestion and flooding.