The 13th National Assembly on Friday wrapped up its 5th working session which featured the first-ever vote of confidence on top officials.

Amendments to Constitution

During the session, lawmakers spent time to discuss the draft amendments to the 1992 Constitution.

The role and leadership position of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the Vietnamese Fatherland Front and the Viet Nam Trade Union, as well as human rights and citizens’ fundamental duties were put up for discussion.

Lawmakers also touched upon topics like national defense, the function and authority of the NA, the NA Standing Committee, the Government, the People’s Procuracy, local authorities, the National Electoral Council and the Constitution Council.

The discussions were televised for voters and compatriots nationwide to follow.

Socio-economic performance

The Legislature deliberated on socio-economic performance and State budget in 2012 and in the first fourth months.

Lawmakers focused on the shortcomings and weaknesses of the economy last year, this year’s socio-economic performance and State budget, the Government’s financial and monetary policies, bad debts, inventories, the property and gold market, and solutions to assist ailing businesses.

Policies to develop agriculture, forestry, marine-based economies, quality of education and training, plus programs on building new-style rural areas were also scrutinized.

Law building

Nine draft laws were discussed and approved during the 27-day session, including:

- Law on conciliation at the grassroots levels

- Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Residence

- Law on amendments and supplements to Article 170 of the Law on Enterprises

- Law on Amendments and Supplements to a Number of Articles of the Law on Value-Added Tax

- Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Corporate Income Tax

- Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

- Revised Law on Science and Technology.

- Law on National Defense and Security Education

- Law on Anti-terrorism

The Land Law was not passed at this working session as it has great impacts on socio-economic development and people’s life and part of its contents relate to the draft amendments of the 1992 Constitution.

Resolutions and programs

Lawmakers passed the Law and Ordinance Building Program for the NA’s 13th tenure and 2014, Resolution on ratifying the State budget estimate for 2011; Resolution on the NA’s supervision agenda for 2014; Resolution on the negotiations for the signing of a Government-level agreement on settling free migration and unregistered marriages along the Viet Nam-Laos border; and Resolution on necessary changes of the plan for the law and ordinance building program in 2013 and 2014.

During this summer session, NA deputies also approved the Prime Minister’s proposal to appoint State Auditor-General Dinh Tien Dung as the new Finance Minister.

 Source: VGP