Vietnam’s political system moves forward in the “renewal of renewal” era

Vietnam’s new era is set to begin with the upcoming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party, but even now, the entire political system is in motion, following the guiding principle of “adjusting while moving forward” to implement the renewal of renewal process.

The momentum of change is visible everywhere

Traditionally, as the Lunar New Year approaches, work slows down, and people focus on celebrations, visiting relatives, and wrapping up year-end tasks. However, this year is different. Everywhere, there is a heightened sense of urgency. The push to streamline the political system and create room for innovation and development is already in full swing.

As General Secretary To Lam stated in his opening speech at the Central Committee Conference on January 23, despite the Lunar New Year being near, the Party’s key tasks required immediate attention, leading the Politburo to convene the conference at this time.

One of the three major topics under discussion at the conference is the restructuring of the political system. While the new era officially begins with the 14th National Congress, the government apparatus is already shifting gears, embracing the “adjusting while moving forward” strategy. Offices remain brightly lit after hours, and civil servants work diligently to implement changes.

The ultimate goal is to break free from bureaucratic stagnation that has persisted for years and create the conditions necessary for a national breakthrough. For example, during a recent legislative discussion on revising the Law on the Promulgation of Legal Documents, participants received four different draft versions in a single day, reflecting the rapid pace of reform.

Every major reform begins with a shift in mindset. Looking back at the 6th National Congress, the first phase of national renewal was identified as a transformation in thinking. Such shifts are never easy, as change brings both opportunities and challenges. Those without determination or vision may hesitate in the face of uncertainty.

Overcoming internal resistance is often the hardest part. While more than half a century of reform has significantly improved citizens’ livelihoods, the dynamic nature of society demands continuous adjustments.

A key element of this transformation is the evolution of Vietnam’s legal framework. The country is transitioning from a system where laws primarily serve as tools of control to one where legal frameworks enable and protect individual freedoms, human rights, and innovation. This shift was emphasized by national leaders in their recent addresses.

During the 8th session of the National Assembly in October 2024, General Secretary To Lam identified institutional reform as the most significant bottleneck among the three main obstacles to development - institutions, infrastructure, and human resources.

As a result, he called for bold legislative reforms to create a legal environment that supports both state governance and innovation. He emphasized the need to eliminate outdated regulatory mindsets, particularly the tendency to ban activities simply because they are difficult to manage.

This vision has already begun influencing legislative work. Throughout the 8th session, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man repeatedly underscored the importance of shifting from a control-based legal system to one that balances regulation with innovation.

At the government’s special session on legal reforms in January 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reinforced this approach. He called for an end to the practice of prohibiting what authorities cannot manage and urged a shift toward a governance model that prioritizes efficiency and innovation.

The Prime Minister stressed that government intervention should be minimal and strategic - only stepping in where absolutely necessary. He stated:

“The government must not compete with businesses and individuals in areas where they can perform better.”

Policymaking is an evolving process. Transforming ideas into concrete action requires careful planning and execution. Leaders must constantly weigh different factors and anticipate challenges while crafting policies tailored to Vietnam’s unique circumstances.

This approach raises crucial questions: What should be regulated? What should be restricted? To what extent should government control be applied? The modern "facilitative state" model provides an answer - where the government creates favorable conditions for economic growth while upholding legal and ethical standards.

A facilitative government respects market dynamics while actively shaping conditions for innovation and sustainable development. Instead of micromanaging industries, the government’s role is to foster an environment where businesses and citizens can thrive.

Historically, concerns over new business models or social trends have led to strict prohibitions as a “safe” approach. This “if you can’t control it, ban it” mentality is now being actively dismantled.

Clearly defined in law - if something must be restricted, it should be explicitly stated.

Innovation-friendly - if not explicitly banned, room should be made for creativity and entrepreneurship.

This is not just a short-term policy shift but a long-term commitment to fostering a governance system that supports innovation. By redefining its role, the government is moving toward a lean, effective, and responsive model.

The principles of a facilitative state and a transparent, action-oriented government - as outlined in the 13th National Congress resolution - are steadily becoming reality.

As Vietnam enters this new era of creativity and prosperity, the country is paving the way for a future where innovation is encouraged, bureaucracy is minimized, and economic potential is fully unlocked.