Streamlining the apparatus is an urgent requirement of the current Vietnamese political system and is a trend that many countries in the world have applied and implemented effectively. Reducing intermediate levels, simplifying administrative procedures and delegating more power to communes, wards and special zones will help the management and operation system become more flexible and effective, while improving the executive capacity of local authorities. This is an important foundation for Vietnam to continue to develop sustainably, improve national competitiveness and ensure transparency and efficiency in state management. The implementation of the two-level local government model is an extremely important issue, unprecedented in history. Realizing the problem, our Party, headed by General Secretary To Lam, is focusing on leading and directing resolutely to synchronously and effectively carry out the revolution of streamlining the organizational apparatus of the political system, especially building a team of cadres and civil servants at the commune, ward, and special zone levels (direct level) with good professional qualifications, pure moral qualities, and capable of completing all assigned tasks well.
The status of cadres and civil servants after more than a month of implementing the two-level local government model
According to Report No. 428-BC/BTCTW, dated July 31, 2025, of the Central Organizing Committee, on the situation and results after 1 month of implementing the two-level local government model from July 1 to 31, 2025, the current situation of the team of cadres and civil servants at the commune, ward and special zone levels has achieved a number of results, namely:
* About advantages
Provincial and municipal Party Committees have actively implemented the process, ensuring the completion of the consolidation and arrangement of all leadership positions at the commune level Party Committees and authorities according to regulations. Localities have paid attention to and basically arranged and organized the team of commune-level cadres to meet the requirements of the tasks at the grassroots level, closely following reality. Most agencies, organizations and units have been fully staffed with cadres and civil servants to operate their activities.
Although it has just been put into operation, the two-level local government model has shown its effectiveness, efficiency, and purpose of being close to the people, serving the people better, specifically: "After 1 month of officially implementing the two-level local government model, it shows that although the amount of work to be handled is very large, the time is short and urgent, the scope and objects of impact are wide, but up to now, the implementation results are very positive, basically in accordance with the goal of organizing the apparatus at the grassroots level close to the people, initially improving effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring smooth operations, serving the people better" (1) .
Most localities have done a good job of operating the software system for handling administrative procedures and successfully connected and interconnected the National Public Service Portal, the national database on population, and the national database on administrative procedures. Some localities have creative and effective ways of arranging civil servants and public employees with experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of information technology to support and serve the people.
* About limitations
The quantity and quality of cadres at commune, ward and special zone levels in some localities are not uniform. Some localities lack cadres with professional qualifications in key fields, and labor productivity in some places is not high. Specifically, the report stated: “The quantity and quality of cadres and civil servants are both excessive and insufficient; many places lack cadres with professional qualifications in the fields of science and technology, land administration, finance, justice, health , construction, transportation…” (2) . The allocation of cadres in specialized departments and offices at commune level in some localities is not reasonable, leading to the situation where in the same position, some places have excess and some places have shortage…
Localities continue to face a number of difficulties and shortcomings in implementing administrative procedures for people and businesses, mainly related to technical infrastructure, such as software, public services, data connection, digital signatures, and inconsistent operating procedures. In addition, "the capacity and scientific and technological level of the team of cadres and civil servants at the commune level are still limited while the volume of administrative procedures to be resolved at the commune level is very large, and the number of people needing to carry out administrative procedures is increasing" (3) .
Some requirements for staff in the process of streamlining the organization of the current political system
The streamlining of the political system's apparatus does not stop at streamlining the organization, more importantly, it must improve the effectiveness and efficiency of leadership and management, and build an administration that truly serves the people. To achieve this goal, the staff after the reorganization and streamlining process must meet the following basic requirements:
Regarding general requirements: Streamlining the organizational apparatus is not simply about reducing the number, but also about improving the quality of the staff, eliminating staff who are weak in capacity and lack responsibility in performing public duties: "Do not let state agencies be a "safe haven" for weak staff" (4) .
About special requests:
Firstly, maintain and improve professional and technical capacity to meet new job requirements. That is: Officials need to continue to study and practice to improve their professional and technical qualifications to meet the requirements of new job positions, as well as the general requirements of the period of promoting industrialization and modernization of the country. Officials must regularly update new knowledge, regulations and policies related to the field of work they undertake to complete assigned tasks well. Officials need to practice and improve necessary skills such as independent working skills, teamwork skills, communication skills, information technology skills, expressing opinions, etc.
Second, adapt quickly to changes in the organization and work processes . That is, streamlining often comes with changes in the organizational structure, functions, and tasks of agencies and units. Officials need to quickly adapt to these changes, accept and perform new tasks. Work processes can change to suit the new organization. Officials need to proactively learn, grasp, and properly implement new processes.
Third, be proactive and creative in work, contributing to improving the efficiency of the agency and unit . That is, cadres need to be proactive and positive in work, constantly researching and being creative to improve work efficiency. Cadres need to demonstrate a high sense of responsibility for assigned work, and complete assigned tasks well.
Fourth, strictly comply with the provisions of the law and the rules and regulations of the agency or unit, and improve work efficiency. That is, cadres must strictly comply with the provisions of the law, the rules and regulations of the agency or unit. Cadres must always strive to work, constantly improve, and improve work efficiency to meet the increasingly high demands of society.
Fifth, maintain moral qualities, healthy lifestyle, be exemplary, and create trust among the people. That is, cadres need to maintain moral qualities, healthy lifestyle, and be clean; cadres must always set an example for the people, and maintain the prestige of the agency or unit.
The successful implementation of the above requirements will help each cadre and civil servant fulfill their tasks well, contributing to the successful implementation of the two-level local government model, strongly shifting the grassroots level to proactively grasp and manage the socio-economy, national defense and security, and building a streamlined, effective and efficient state administration.
Some key solutions to improve the working capacity of staff in operating the local government model at the current commune, ward and special economic zone levels
From the limitations and shortcomings that the staff at the commune, ward and special zone levels have encountered in the past and in the face of high requirements in the conditions of implementing the two-level local government model, strongly shifting the grassroots level to proactively grasping and managing the current socio-economic, national defense and security, in order for the staff and civil servants to have sufficient qualifications, working capacity and good moral qualities, a scientific and close working style, and to well meet the requirements of tasks in the new situation, it requires Party committees and cadres at all levels to perform well the following main contents:
One is to train and improve the professional qualifications and skills of the staff and civil servants.
After streamlining the government apparatus, the majority of cadres and civil servants are undertaking work in new areas, which are different in scale and professional qualifications. The requirements of the new work are more intense, diverse and complex than the previous work. Therefore, each cadre and civil servant must be self-motivated to study and improve their knowledge in all aspects, especially new knowledge and knowledge of the field they are undertaking. The content needs to focus on studying and researching in the fields of science - technology, land administration, finance, justice, health, construction, transportation, etc. Special attention should be paid to the content of digital transformation, operating software systems, handling administrative procedures and successfully implementing the connection and interconnection of the national public service portal, national database on population, national database on administrative procedures, etc. The form of learning is through training courses organized by communes, wards, and special zones themselves or through training courses provided by superiors, through colleagues, especially from former officials with a lot of experience in each field that they are currently in charge of. In particular, each official and civil servant needs to raise awareness of self-study and training because this is the most important factor for officials and civil servants to improve themselves and meet the requirements of assigned tasks. In addition, Party committees and cadres at all levels need to regularly pay attention to and create material, spiritual and time conditions for cadres to have a favorable learning environment, promptly open short-term training courses, specialized and professional activities, thereby promptly grasping new documents, directives and resolutions of the Party and State; imparting good experiences and creative ways of doing things for cadres to learn and follow.
Second, foster and improve responsibility and a highly responsible working attitude for the team of cadres and civil servants.
After the restructuring and streamlining of the apparatus from three-level local government to two-level local government, the amount of work performed at the commune, ward and special zone levels is very large and intense. In addition to the fact that the staff must have good qualifications, expertise and professionalism, an objective requirement is that the staff must have a very high sense of responsibility in order to be able to complete their tasks. A sense of responsibility is something that every staff member must have when doing any job; responsibility helps the staff to do that job with effort and try their best instead of just superficially. A highly responsible staff member must be specifically demonstrated: Always know how to value their own time, know how to manage time and allocate time reasonably; always make efforts and try for the common benefit of the organization, not be negligent, not do things perfunctorily; do not delay work and must always spread positive energy to those around them; Never blame the situation or others, know how to admit mistakes and make efforts to correct them; do not work emotionally, "do as you go", consider all work and plan for yourself in detail to help the staff grasp what they need to do first, what to do next and not fall into a state of overload; always focus on their own work instead of unrelated issues; do not make excuses for themselves, affecting others... To foster a highly responsible working attitude for the current staff, first of all, it is necessary to promote the exemplary role of the Party Committee, the cadres in charge at all levels, superiors set an example for subordinates, department heads set an example for employees, old employees set an example for new employees. This is the most direct and effective measure for everyone to follow.
Third, train and improve the qualifications of officials and civil servants in digital transformation.
In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation has become the key to opening the door to sustainable development for the country. Digital technology not only helps increase labor productivity and optimize resources, but also creates favorable conditions for cadres and civil servants at all levels to thrive in the context of globalization. Today, all areas from state management, education, health to economy, culture and society are subject to the influence and influence of digital transformation. In that context, equipping digital skills for cadres and civil servants at commune, ward and special economic zones is an urgent matter. Decision No. 1143/QD-BKHCN, dated June 4, 2025, of the Ministry of Science and Technology, on "Approval of the plan for training and coaching on digital transformation in 2025" clearly states: "To implement the goal of 100% of leaders, civil servants, public employees and employees in state agencies, corporations and state-owned general companies annually participating in training, coaching, and updating knowledge on digital transformation, digital skills and digital technology as set out in Decision No. 146/QD-TTg, dated January 28, 2022, of the Prime Minister, approving the Project on Raising Awareness, Universalizing Skills and Developing Human Resources for National Digital Transformation by 2025, with a Vision to 2030" (5) . Accordingly, in order for the staff and civil servants at the commune, ward and special zone levels to meet the requirements of tasks in digital transformation, it is necessary to focus on training some main contents: Self-assessment of one's ability to use digital devices ; capacity to process information and data in the digital environment; capacity to communicate and interact in the digital environment ; capacity to ensure safety and security in the digital environment; capacity to create digital content of staff; capacity to learn and develop digital skills...
To achieve the above goal, it is required that Party committees and leaders at all levels develop specific training plans in their agencies and units. Encourage and have a mechanism to closely monitor and supervise the digital transformation learning of cadres and civil servants in implementing online training on the "Digital Popular Education" platform and other mass open online learning platforms.
Fourth, enhance internal solidarity and courageously fight against wrongful manifestations.
After the reorganization, streamlining and merger, the staff and civil servants from different agencies and units will work in the same new organization or unit in the commune, ward or special zone, so it is inevitable that there will be disagreements in views, working methods, lifestyles, and even internal disunity. Therefore, the staff and civil servants must have a high spirit of solidarity, know how to share and help each other in their work, and courageously fight against wrongdoings to successfully complete their tasks. This is an important requirement. The spirit of solidarity, humanity, and civilized behavior of the current cadres and civil servants is expressed in respecting each person with their own personality, as long as they still perform their duties and tasks well and do not harm the common interest. That is a way of life that respects morality, is loyal, altruistic, and eliminates prejudice. When criticizing others, cadres and civil servants, especially leaders, not only need to be "correct", but also "tactful" so as not to hurt the criticized person; at the same time, they must give them time to clearly perceive right and wrong and correct themselves. People with a spirit of solidarity will not be jealous or envious of those who are better than them, or have better achievements than them. People with a spirit of solidarity are always kind-hearted, wholeheartedly helping those who are in difficulty, unfortunate, or in worse conditions, following the principle of "love others as you love yourself", without asking for anything in return. Solidarity is the ethical standard of cadres and civil servants in their relationships with comrades, colleagues and the people. It is also the determination to fight against localism, regionalism, the disease of "cronyism" and factions, in the spirit of promoting comradeship and colleagueship.
In addition, in the current conditions of innovation, cadres and party members must abandon the "old ways" and conservatism to have an innovative and "advancing" mindset. However, "advancing" and the new often start from each individual and minority. Therefore, cadres and civil servants need to have the courage and mettle to break away from the old, reach for the new and progressive to pave the way for development. If cadres, civil servants and party members do not violate the law, but do not dare to criticize and fight against wrongdoings in agencies, organizations and units, it is also a manifestation of evasion, contrary to the revolutionary spirit and the fair and upright nature of cadres and civil servants in the period of innovation.
Fifth, foster and improve the spirit of respecting the people, being close to the people and serving the people.
"Respecting the people, being close to the people, serving the people" is an important ideology throughout the process of the Vietnamese revolution, especially highly valued and promoted by President Ho Chi Minh. This ideology shows concern for the people, building a close, intimate, and cohesive relationship between the government and the people, always putting the interests of the people first. In the current conditions of arrangement, streamlining and merging of two-level local governments, cadres and civil servants at the commune, ward and special zone levels always have to contact and work directly with the people. Accordingly, the requirement in building a contingent of cadres and civil servants today is to take the criterion of serving the interests of the people, aiming for the truth "Whatever is beneficial to the people must be done with all our might, whatever is harmful to the people must be avoided with all our might" (6) is an urgent requirement. Party committees, organizations and cadres in charge at localities must regularly provide professional training and professional skills to cadres and civil servants so that they can become professional, proficient, impartial civil servants and gradually improve their standards, suitable for their job positions to ensure the quality of the current cadres and civil servants. Cadres and civil servants must be close to the people, listen, absorb and respond to people's opinions to both grasp their thoughts and feelings and promptly adjust, supplement and perfect the people-oriented civil service. When handling work, cadres and civil servants must always be attentive, enthusiastic, put themselves in the position of the people, absolutely must not be arrogant, cause trouble, harass or be insensitive, indifferent to the wishes and legitimate and legal rights of the people. With the spirit of serving the people, if they see any unreasonable policies and guidelines, cadres and civil servants must stand on the people's side and recommend amendments to their superiors. Because life is always rich, the application of policies and guidelines is not too rigid, stereotyped, or mechanical. When choosing a solution, cadres and civil servants at the commune, ward, and special zone levels must always ask themselves: Which solution ensures the maximum benefit of the people? Accordingly, we must always listen, be ready to dialogue with the people, and filter out reasonable things to adjust policies and implementation methods. We must truly respect the people's right to mastery, and not "talk about democracy, but work in the style of "officials" and "owners". What the people do not understand or misunderstand must be thoroughly explained.
In short, the reform of the political system's organizational apparatus is not simply a revolution to streamline the organizational apparatus, but also a revolution to change thinking with a new vision and awareness. The process of implementing and operating the two-level local government will face many difficulties and obstacles for the team of cadres and civil servants at the commune, ward and special zone levels. This is also the law of revolutions, but for development, the political system must focus on effective implementation. Promoting a strong sense of responsibility and political determination on the basis of timely directions from the Central Government, we believe that the team of cadres at the commune, ward and special zone levels will have enough courage, mettle, qualifications, capacity and qualities to successfully complete all assigned tasks, build developed localities, contribute to building a prosperous, happy and rapidly progressing country in the era of national development./.
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(1) See: Report No. 428-BC/BTCTW, dated July 31, 2025, of the Central Organizing Committee, "on the situation and results after 1 month of implementing the two-level local government model from July 1 to 31, 2025", p. 6
(2) See: Report No. 428-BC/BTCTW, dated July 31, 2025, of the Central Organizing Committee, "on the situation and results after 1 month of implementing the two-level local government model from July 1 to 31, 2025", p. 6
(3) See: Report No. 428-BC/BTCTW, dated July 31, 2025, of the Central Organizing Committee, "on the situation and results after 1 month of implementing the two-level local government model from July 1 to 31, 2025", p. 11
(4) Professor, Dr. To Lam: "Promoting a high sense of responsibility, focusing on leadership and direction with the highest determination to soon complete the streamlining of the political system's organizational apparatus; contributing to accelerating and surpassing the goals and tasks of 2024, 2025 and the entire 13th Congress term; preparing well for party congresses at all levels towards the 14th National Party Congress", Communist Magazine , No. 1051 (12-2024), p. 7
(5) See: Decision No. 1143/QD-BKHCN, dated June 4, 2025, of the Ministry of Science and Technology, on "Approval of the training plan on digital transformation in 2025", https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Cong-nghe-thong-tin/Quyet-dinh-1143-QD-BKHCN-2025-Ke-hoach-boi-duong-tap-huan-ve-chuyen-doi-so-659894.aspx
(6) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works , National Political Publishing House Truth, Hanoi, 2011, vol. 4, pp. 64 - 65
Source: https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/thuc-tien-kinh-nghiem1/-/2018/1124602/boi-duong%2C-nang-cao-nang-luc-cong-tac-cho-doi-ngu-can-bo%2C-cong-chuc-cap-xa%2C-phuong%2C-dac-khu-dap-ung-yeu-cau%2C-nhiem-vu-trien-khai-van-hanh-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-hai-cap-hien-nay.aspx
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