Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has entered a new chapter in public administrative reform as a nationwide shift to a two-tier local government structure officially took effect on July 1. Under this model, only provincial and commune-level authorities remain, with the district level dissolved. The change marks not just an administrative adjustment, but a transformative step toward a more streamlined, citizen-focused governance system.
The reform follows eight years of strategic planning since the adoption of Resolution No.18-NQ/TW on streamlining the political apparatus for increased efficiency and effectiveness. Over the past eight months, the political system at all levels has implemented the change with urgency, driven by strong political will and a commitment to putting citizens at the heart of public service.
The elimination of the intermediate district level aims not merely at structural simplification but at unlocking resources, saving trillions of VND annually, reducing fiscal burden, and enhancing service delivery.
More importantly, this new structure is expected to bring local authorities closer to the people, enabling quicker and more synchronised policy implementation and direct communication between government and citizens.
Described as a comprehensive revolution, this reform is underpinned not by force but by innovation and determination to break with outdated practices. Civil servants at all levels are now seen as front-line agents of reform, tasked with building a modern, efficient, and service-oriented administration.
The Party’s leadership has been critical to the success of this transition. From strategic direction to implementation, consistent oversight and concrete actions reflect a unified political will.
Messages such as “move fast while staying in line,” “act without retreat,” and “ensure uninterrupted public service” have gone beyond slogans to become mandates during this critical transition.
Party General Secretary To Lam said the existing shortcomings, limitations, and slow, lackluster actions in implementing the renewal policy and reorganising the political system have caused severe consequences. A cumbersome administrative apparatus leads to waste and hinders development, and it is one of the reasons why many of the Party's policies and guidelines are slow to be implemented in practice or, in some cases, are either not carried out or only superficially executed.
In this context, the transition to a two-tier local government model (provincial and commune levels) is not only a strategic decision but also an inevitable step. This is not merely a structural change; it is a true revolution in how the state apparatus is organised and operates, he noted.
According to the Party leader, with the removal of the intermediary level, the handling of administrative procedures will become simpler and faster. The people will no longer have to wait long or navigate through many "gates" to get their work done. The commune-level government, being closest to the people, will be empowered with more authority to truly address the most practical issues of the community.
Former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Dinh remarked that Vietnam is in a critical demographic phase - a “golden population structure.” If not leveraged effectively, the opportunity could be lost as the country transitions to an aging population.
Dinh stressed that the main constraint now lies in an overly layered bureaucracy with excessive administrative procedures that hinder progress and squander national potential.
Technology is seen as a key enabler of this transformation. From the National Public Service Portal to the growing adoption of e-government tools, digital systems are replacing outdated, paper-based processes, cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and reducing dependency on human resources.
Vietnam’s efforts to modernise its public sector are also tied to its broader digital transformation strategy. Resolution No. 57 on scientific and technological advancement and national digital transformation provides strong institutional support for this shift.
He said that the transition to two-tier governance has been methodically prepared. The Government has issued 28 decrees to guide decentralisation and devolution of power, laying a legal foundation for improved local governance. These are not merely regulatory texts but clear commitments to public service reform.
The 15th National Assembly’s ninth session laid the constitutional groundwork, while central and local agencies collaborated closely to ensure the smooth launch of the new system on July 1.
The Ministry of Home Affairs alone issued over 4,000 official documents in just the first half of the year, underscoring the urgency and scale of preparation.
Former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Office Nguyen Si Dung called the rollout of 28 decrees a historic effort that addresses current administrative shortcomings while paving the way for a more responsive, modern governance model.
From July 1 onward, commune-level authorities are no longer an extension of provincial government, but its frontline representatives. Provincial authorities now play a coordinating and guiding role, with increased emphasis on decentralisation and local empowerment.
With nearly 2 million officials nationwide working tirelessly to ensure a seamless transition, including those involved in merging or dissolving administrative units, Vietnam has taken a decisive step toward building a leaner, more responsive, and citizen-centric public administration system.
This marks the start of a new governance era, one that is more transparent, efficient, and truly rooted in serving the people./.
