Hanoi (VNA) – In its 96-year journey, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has forged an enduring trust and confidence among the people, which enables them to advance towards the future of a strong and prosperous Vietnam.
Before the founding of the CPV, Vietnam endured a long night of slavery. The people were patriotic but isolated and trapped in dead ends. With the Party’s emergence, the nation found a clear path and saw the light. From national subjugation, Vietnam rose to freedom; from poverty, the people advanced towards prosperity.
In 1858, French colonialists invaded Vietnam and divided the country into three regions to facilitate domination. Patriotic movements emerged vigorously but lacked a common banner, a scientific line, a unified organisation and a capable leadership. As a result, many heroic struggles failed, plunging the nation into prolonged suffering.
Against this backdrop, the Party was founded on February 3, 1930, by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc. The people affectionately called it “our Party,” a simple name embodying deep trust. Armed with Marxism–Leninism and a clear goal - national independence, people’s freedom and human happiness - the Party gave the Vietnamese revolution direction, organisation and leadership. From darkness, the nation stepped into the light; from slavery, the people became masters; from loss of independence, Vietnam established its own State in the Autumn of 1945.
The nation then endured nine years of resistance against French colonialism and nearly 21 years against US imperialism. Hardships were immense and sacrifices countless, yet under the Party’s leadership, the entire people and armed forces were united in will. From the earth-shaking Dien Bien Phu victory to the Great Spring Victory of 1975 that reunified the country, these triumphs reflected Vietnamese intellect, courage and steadfast trust in the Party.
In 1986, the Party initiated the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, a historic, courageous and creative decision aimed at development while steadfastly upholding national independence associated with socialism. Over the past four decades, Vietnam’s transformation has been profound. Economic growth has been sustained, the economy by 2025 ranks among the leading in ASEAN, per capita income has risen sharply, poverty has fallen significantly, infrastructure has expanded, and the country’s international standing has continued to rise.
Alongside achievements, the Party has consistently upheld the principle of self-criticism. President Ho Chi Minh taught that a Party that conceals its shortcomings is a bad Party. Our Party has dared to confront and correct its weaknesses, particularly corruption, wastefulness, bureaucracy and detachment from the people, described as “internal enemies” threatening public trust. Party building and rectification have therefore remained a top priority.
There have been no forbidden zones or exceptions in disciplining violations. Discipline has been strict and impartial, including against senior officials, thereby reinforcing the Party’s prestige and strengthening public confidence.
Entering a new development phase amid global turbulence, Vietnam in 2025 has maintained stability and growth. Socio-economic conditions remain stable, national defence and security are firmly safeguarded, and foreign affairs are proactive. Major reforms, including streamlining the administrative apparatus, implementing a two-tier local government model, and merging provinces and cities, reflect strong political resolve for long-term national interests.
The successful 14th National Party Congress embodied the intellect and aspirations of the entire nation. The Party outlined key orientations, priority tasks and strategic breakthroughs towards 2030, with a vision to 2045, aiming for rapid yet sustainable development, autonomy alongside deep integration, science and innovation as drivers, and people at the centre, with ambitious targets for growth, income and happiness.
As General Secretary To Lam affirmed, all policies must serve the people, taking their happiness and satisfaction as the ultimate measure. This reflects the Party’s enduring essence, born for the people, striving for the people and renewing itself for the people.
The road ahead remains challenging, but the direction is clear and the will united. Approaching the centenary of the Party’s founding and the 2045 milestone of a century of national independence, every organisation, Party member and citizen has a role to play. Unity and solidarity remain Vietnam’s greatest strength.
For 96 years, the Party has stood alongside the nation through hardship and glory. History has chosen the Party, and the people have placed their trust in it - a trust that must never be betrayed, as Vietnam advances towards a strong and prosperous future./.
