On November 22, the National Assembly discussed the results of receiving and handling citizens’ complaints and denunciations in 2023.

Government Inspector General Doan Hong Phong said the number of cases of citizens lodging petitions and denunciations to state agencies in 2023 has been higher than last year.

The reception of citizens by heads of state administrative agencies at all levels has seen positive changes as most are aware of their responsibility to receive citizens periodically.

Most ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies, chairs of People’s Committees at different levels publicize meeting schedules and directly receive citizens monthly.

The number of days ministers and heads of agencies spend to receive citizens is equal to 92 percent (it was 37.6 percent in 2016-2021). Meanwhile, the figure is 113 percent for provincial People’s Committee Chairs (61.5 percent in 2016-2021). Many localities have the numbers of citizen reception days higher than 100 percent.

Administrative agencies have settled 17,463 cases of complaints, an increase of 23.4 percent over the last year. The handling of citizens’ complaints has contributed to protect the benefits of 1,319 individuals and 44 collectives and organizations.

When addressing citizens’ denunciations, state agencies have asked to handle 475 individuals, including 432 cadres and civil servants; forwarded the 37 cases and 32 subjects to investigation agencies, including 16 cadres and civil servants.

When addressing complaints, they have asked to handle 1,110 individuals, including 44 cadres and civil servants. Of these, three cases and two subjects have been forwarded to investigation agencies. 

Phong said ministries, branches and local authorities check and settle class-action complicated petitions. Many cases causing frustrations among the public have been resolved strictly and clearly, in accordance with the law, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, individuals and organizations.

Regarding the handling of embezzlement criminals, many National Assembly deputies said “the more fiercely we fight against corruption, the more corruption criminals increase”. 

In reply, Le Minh Tri, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy affirmed that the number of embezzlement cases is on the decrease. 

“The embezzlement criminals have surely decreased, but to answer the question how sharp the decrease is, we still need concrete assessments and reports,” he said. “It is wrong to say the number of criminals of this kind has not decreased."

Prior to that, General To Lam, Minister of Public Security, said the number of criminals and law violations has increased in 2023, but the public security and society order have been protected and Vietnam maintains a safe destination of the world.

Quang Phong