Politics

Nguyen Van Linh – a reformer

Nguyen Van Linh – a staunch communist and reformer

Party General Secretary Nguyen Van Linh is known as a reformer who promoted the Doi Moi process.
Nguyen Van Linh, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnamfrom 1986 to 1991, is known as a staunch and reformist leader whostrongly promoted the Doi Moi (renewal) process in Vietnam.

Born as Nguyen Van Cuc on July 1, 1915 in Hanoi into a civil servantfamily, Nguyen Van Linh joined the patriotic movement at the age of 14.When only 15, he was arrested and sentenced to life in prison by theFrench colonialists. He then was imprisoned in Con Dao Island which wasdubbed a “hell on earth” until 1936, when he was released after theelection success of the Popular Front in France.

After his release, Linh returned to become secretary of the PartyCommittee of Hai Phong City. In early 1939, he was sent to Sai Gon (nowHo Chi Minh City) and became Vice Secretary of Sai Gon Party Committee.Late the same year, he was assigned to the central region with themission of restoring Party organisations there. He was arrested andimprisoned in Con Dao for the second time by the French colonial regimein early 1941.

With the success of the AugustRevolution in 1945, Nguyen Van Linh was set free and returned to Nam Bo(Southern region) where he continued to fight for the liberation of theSouth and national reunification in the capacity of Secretary of SaiGon-Cho Lon municipal Party Committee, Secretary of the Sai Gon-Cho LonSpecial Zone Party Committee and Secretary of Nam Bo Party Committee.

After the national reunification, Nguyen Van Linhserved as Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. He was electedParty General Secretary at the 6th National Party Congress in December1986, and became the first Party leader to lead and organize theimplementation of the Party resolution on Doi Moi, which marked ahistoric turning point in Vietnam’s revolutionary cause.

Nguyen Van Linh was the person who initiated and pursued theprinciples of Doi Moi while keeping to the socialist orientation,maintaining and promoting the Party’s leadership, respecting andbringing into full play the people’s right to mastery as reflected inthe motto “people know, people discuss, people do and people inspect.”

The Doi Moi process has reaped importantachievements, creating firm foundations for the country to developquickly in the following periods.

Linh and theParty Central Committee also devoted great efforts to cleaning up themechanisms of the Party and State, creating a flow of fresh air tosociety. His column “Things to be done immediately” on Nhan Dannewspaper won applause from the public for attacking negative phenomenain society, thus creating an open and democratic social atmosphere.

Nguyen Van Linh passed away on April 28, 1998.

He was praised by both the Party and the people as a staunch andprestigious communist and an outstanding student of President Ho ChiMinh

A range of activities will be organized acrossthe country to mark the 100th birthday of the late Party leader tohonour his contributions to the Vietnamese revolution.-VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the conference to announce the Politburo’s decision to establish the Central Theoretical Council for the 2026–2031 tenure. (Photo: VNA)

Central Theoretical Council for 2026-2031 term established

The Party chief noted that in recent years the council has made significant contributions to the Party’s theoretical research and development, particularly in clarifying the path toward socialism in Vietnam and contributing to the preparation of major Party documents, including those presented at national Party congresses.

An overview of the press briefing in Hanoi on March 10 to introduce the 10th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange. (Photo: VNA)

Tenth Vietnam–China border defence friendship exchange to feature innovations

Scheduled for March 18–19 in Quang Ninh province of Vietnam and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the exchange aims to realise high-level common perceptions between the two Parties and countries on deepening substantive defence cooperation, strengthening friendship and solidarity, and promoting practical collaboration among border protection forces, local authorities and people in border areas, thereby contributing to building a border of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation and development.

Professor Carl Thayer from the Australian Defence Force Academy at the University of New South Wales speaks to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondent in Sydney. (Photo: VNA)

Australian expert hails performance of 15th NA, People’s Councils at all levels

During the 15th term, NA deputies raised a number of critical issues with government ministers during question time regarding environmental protection, land administration, and food safety. Deputies were particularly engaged during discussions on amendments to the 2013 Constitution and the Law on the Organisation of Local Administration.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong (right), Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, presents a souvenir to Senior Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith, Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence of Laos, at their meeting on March 9. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Vietnam, Laos strengthen defence cooperation

General Nguyen Tan Cuong proposed both sides continue effectively implementing the agreed cooperation areas, including holding high-level delegation exchanges, maintaining consultation and dialogue mechanisms, and coordinating to successfully organise the annual meeting of the defence ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds phone talks with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese PM holds phone talks with Qatari counterpart

Emphasising Vietnam's opposition to the use of force against sovereign states, especially against civilian infrastructure that results in numerous casualties, PM Chinh called for a peaceful solution to the region based on respect for international law, the United Nations Charter, and ensuring the legitimate rights of all parties.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in the phone talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on March 9 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Kuwaiti PMs hold phone talks

PM Pham Minh Chinh commended Kuwait’s efforts and called on Kuwait and relevant countries to continue exercising restraint, promoting de-escalation efforts and seeking peaceful solutions based on respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, while ensuring the legitimate interests of all parties.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (right) receives Scott Strazik, President and CEO of GE Vernova, in Hanoi on March 9, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Party leader receives President and CEO of US’s GE Vernova

Vietnam always values and creates favourable conditions for US energy corporations to invest and operate in the country, bringing tangible benefits to the people and businesses of both nations while contributing to the development of bilateral ties, said Party leader To Lam.

NA Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong (first, right) examines election preparations at Polling Station No. 1 in Kenh Dao hamlet, Dat Mui commune, Ca Mau province, on March 9. (Photo: VNA)

NA Vice Chairman urges Ca Mau to ensure safe elections

Ca Mau was asked to give special attention to ethnic minority communities, residents in remote and disadvantaged areas, the elderly living alone, and people with disabilities, so they can fully take part in voting.

An overview of the conference to announce a decision of the Politburo and the Secretariat. (Photo: VNA)

Politburo, Secretariat announce inspection of Party Committee of Central Party Agencies

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the inspection and supervision aim to comprehensively evaluate the leadership and direction of the Standing Board of the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies in implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress – a resolution carrying special significance, as it provides strategic orientation for the country’s development in the new phase.

The 55th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on March 2, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Streamlining state apparatus: A foundation for rapid, sustainable development

The election is unfolding as Vietnam presses ahead with sweeping administrative reforms, including efforts to streamline the state apparatus and implement a two-tier local government model from the central level to grassroots authorities. Amendments to key laws are also aimed at strengthening decentralisation, improving the management of public assets and accelerating digital transformation, enabling citizens to access information more easily while fostering a leaner, more transparent governance system that better upholds people’s rights.