In an effort to streamline administrative systems, numerous officials and leaders across Vietnam’s central and Central Highlands regions have voluntarily chosen early retirement. This proactive approach supports organizational restructuring and paves the way for younger generations to step into leadership roles.

Officials take the lead in early retirement

Recent records from provinces in central and Central Highlands highlight the trend of officials opting for early retirement to facilitate administrative reforms.

For instance, Nguyen Van Thanh, a provincial Party Committee member and Director of the Department of Science and Technology in Quang Ngai, applied to resign five years before his official retirement age.

The Standing Committee of the Quang Ngai Party Committee approved his request, recognizing his voluntary decision as a step toward efficient restructuring.

In January 2025, the Chairman of the Quang Ngai People’s Committee approved early retirement for 48 officials, including six department-level leaders.

Similarly, Nguyen Gio, Head of the Organization Committee of the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee, retired early at the end of 2024 to support efforts to streamline administrative structures.

In Quang Nam, early retirements include Alang Mai, Head of the Provincial Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, and Tran Uc, Chairman of the Dien Ban Town People’s Committee.

In Dak Nong, senior officials such as Luu Hong Van, Deputy Head of the District Propaganda Committee, and Phan Huu Ty, Deputy Chairman of the District Fatherland Front, also voluntarily stepped down to enable organizational mergers.

Vu Tien Lu, Secretary of the Dak Glong District Party Committee, commended their decisions as acts of selflessness, creating opportunities for younger leaders while facilitating structural reforms.

A new chapter for experienced officials

 
In Dak Lak, senior officials such as Pham Van Phuoc, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Nguyen Van Nghiem, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, have also applied for early retirement.

Nghiem, who has worked in various capacities over 40 years, stated: “To aid organizational restructuring, I voluntarily applied for early retirement. This decision stems from my personal desire and adherence to regulations.”

Other leaders in Dak Lak have also expressed similar intentions, with decisions pending review by the Provincial Standing Committee.

Vu Thi Thanh Hue, Head of the Culture and Information Department in Krong Ana District, chose to retire despite being eligible for re-election as a district Party Committee member.

“I wish to make way for younger talent and contribute to the smooth organizational merger,” Hue explained.

Earlier, Dinh Xuan Toan, Editor-in-Chief of the Dak Lak Newspaper, resigned three years before his retirement age to support the planned merger of the province’s broadcasting and publishing entities.

Policies supporting early retirement

The government’s administrative reforms are bolstered by policies that ensure financial and institutional support for early retirees, outlined in Decree 178/2024/ND-CP, effective January 1, 2025.

Officials who retire early with less than five years until their official retirement age receive severance equal to one month’s salary for each month of early retirement. Those with 5–10 years remaining are entitled to 0.9 months’ salary for each month retired early, up to 60 months.

In addition to one-time allowances, retirees receive full pension benefits without deductions.

For those with more than five years until retirement, an additional four months’ salary is provided for each year of early retirement, while those with 2–5 years remaining receive five months’ salary per year.

Retirees with over 20 years of compulsory social insurance contributions may also receive long-term service rewards.

Furthermore, exceptional contributors to public service are recognized through awards, with early retirement periods considered in calculating remaining terms for commendations.

These early retirements are seen as a pragmatic response to administrative restructuring, demonstrating the commitment of senior officials to prioritize institutional reforms and provide opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Ha Nam