Hanoi (VNA) – The 15th National Assembly (NA) on May 21 is set to vote on a resolution designating the nationwide election date for the 16th NA and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, as part of its ongoing ninth sitting.
According to the official agenda, the morning session will begin with presentations of proposals and verification reports on the draft law amending and supplementing several provisions of the law on the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the trade union law, the youth law, and the law on grassroots democracy implementation.
Following these, the NA will discuss two key issues, namely the potential early conclusion of the 15th NA and local People’s Councils for the 2021–2026 term, and the proposed election date. Lawmakers are expected to vote on two resolutions addressing these matters later in the session.
The remainder of the morning session is dedicated to debating the draft law amending and supplementing the law on election of deputies to the NA and People’s Councils. The proposed changes include the removal of all provisions related to district-level People’s Councils, revisions to 47 out of 98 articles in the current law, and adjustments aimed at streamlining election procedures and shortening implementation timelines.
During the afternoon session, deputies will convene in group discussions on the aforementioned draft laws, along with a draft resolution on piloting special mechanisms and policies to promote social housing development and a draft resolution to replace the NA’s Resolution No. 35/2021/QH15 dated 13 November 2021, which outlines pilot mechanisms for the development of the northern port city of Hai Phong./.
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NA begins second phase of first extraordinary session, focusing on land, housing policies
The 16th National Assembly began the second phase of its first extraordinary session on August 19, hearing presentations on policy orientations for drafting the Law on State Budget (consolidated); amending the 2024 Land Law, the 2023 Housing Law, and the Law on Real Estate Business; and the integration of four national target programmes into a single one.
☀️ Morning digest on August 19
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
Vietnam, Czech Republic step up effective implementation of Strategic Partnership
The two sides expressed their delight at the positive and substantive development of traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, and welcomed the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in January 2025, which has created a new framework and impetus for deeper, more effective and sustainable cooperation.
Vietnam, Czech Republic seek to deepen multifaceted cooperation
Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have always cherished the valuable support extended by the Communist Party and people of former Czechoslovakia, as well as by the KSCM and Czech people today.
Vietnam-India cooperation grows more practical, future-oriented
Vietnam-India relations, founded by President Ho Chi Minh and Indian leaders and nurtured by generations of the two countries, have developed into a special and enduring friendship. Bilateral cooperation has delivered significant and practical benefits, with two-way trade doubling over the past decade, while defence and security cooperation has become increasingly substantive and effective, reflecting high levels of strategic trust.
Draft laws must support management reform, stronger decentralisation: PM
Participants looked into 11 draft laws and one draft resolution, including laws amending and supplementing several articles of laws on non-agricultural land use tax and corporate income tax; natural resources tax; securities; accounting and independent auditing; the Labour Code; and laws on archives, gender equality, Red Cross activities and employment.
Top leader visits Infantry Division 308
General Secretary and President To Lam urged the division to preserve its proud tradition and turn it into determination and action, underscoring the need for it to uphold the “vanguard” spirit, especially in building a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern army; training and maintaining combat readiness; advancing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation; observing discipline and law; mastering modern weapons and equipment; and fulfilling its three functions as a combat, working and production force.
Vietnam launches online competition on Constitution, law
Apart from the competition, Vietnam Law Day 2026 will feature a ceremony marking the day and the 2026 “Bright Legal Role Models” selection and commendation programme.
NA Standing Committee focuses on four major issues in Penal Code revision
According to Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Van Tuyen, the revision focuses on four major areas. These include amending provisions on crimes, revising provisions on penalties, amending regulations on exclusion, postponement, and exemption of criminal liability and the statute of limitations, and revising provisions to ensure sound legislative technique.
☕ Afternoon briefing on August 18
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
ASEAN Law Forum 2026 focuses on AI application in lawmaking, enforcement
Vietnam is shifting from a “governance-oriented” approach to lawmaking toward an “adaptive” and development-enabling approach, ensuring sufficient flexibility to harness new technologies while upholding core principles and values as well as system security and safety.
Venezuela honours values of Vietnam’s revolution
The images, stories and melodies about Vietnam once again demonstrated that the country is known not only through historic milestones but also remains warmly present in the hearts of its Venezuelan friends.
Best tribute to previous generations is responsibility, action of today’s generation: Top leader
General Secretary and President Lam said the most worthy tribute to previous generations is the responsibility and action of today's generation, while the greatest responsibility toward future generations is to create solid foundations and better conditions for the country's continued advancement.
Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan seek to deepen traditional friendship
Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan will make better use of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), strengthen business-to-business links and facilitate greater access for each country’s goods to the other’s market.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung pays tribute to former Chinese Premier
Affirming Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance and giving top priority to relations with China, PM Le Minh Hung stressed that the attention and practical contributions of generations of leaders from both sides have laid an important foundation for Vietnam and China to continue preserving and advacing their ties towards stable, sustainable development.
Twelve wards established in Bac Ninh
Following the establishment of 12 new wards, Bac Ninh will have 99 commune-level administrative units, comprising 45 wards and 54 communes.
Vietnam’s foreign policy reflects national identity, resilience: Japanese expert
By remaining steadfast on fundamental principles such as independence, self-reliance and national interests, Vietnam can engage flexibly with individual partners while developing cooperation with as many countries as possible. Such an approach is increasingly relevant in a complex and unpredictable international environment.
📝OP-ED: From historic autumn of 1945 to 2045 aspiration
Eighty-one years since the August Revolution of 1945, Vietnam is at the threshold of another transformation, from a developing country to a developed, high-income nation. What links those two autumns is a refusal to bow to adversity, along with the embrace of self-reliance, national solidarity and confidence in the path chosen by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.
Vietnam treasures traditional friendship with Uruguay: FM
Vietnam highly values Uruguay’s role, position, and contributions to the regional and international communities, as well as the achievements the country has made under the administration of President Yamandú Orsi, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.
☀️ Morning digest on August 18
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.