In recent days, everywhere you go, people are talking about “revolution” and “renewal.” As described in simple yet easily understandable terms by General Secretary To Lam, “We must lighten the load to take flight” - only then can we transform.

A bloated system, overlapping functions and responsibilities, multiple hierarchical layers, and an excessive number of salaried individuals drawing from the national budget (70% spent on the apparatus) not only deplete financial resources, leaving no capital for development, but also create countless inefficiencies. These discourage domestic and foreign investors and burden citizens with unnecessary complications in daily life.

Streamlining the system has become a mandate.

As Lenin put it, “Better fewer, but better.” However, this is one of the most challenging aspects of the renewal process because it touches on the emotions, aspirations, and vested interests of everyone within the political system.

Streamlining naturally leads to the reduction of departments and leadership positions. It is inevitable that feelings will arise when a General Department Director becomes a Department Director, or a department head is demoted to deputy, or even to a regular employee. For those who have worked tirelessly for years and were part of succession planning, the prospects may now seem remote, with desired positions suddenly out of reach.

These changes also impact both material and intangible benefits, as well as compensation packages—issues that everyone must consider for their livelihood.

It is precisely in these moments, when personal interests are at stake, that individuals reveal their true character and ethics. It is here that the virtues of sacrifice, leadership, and the exemplary conduct of Communist Party members and leaders are put to the test.

Challenges of moral and political decline

We must address frankly that the decline in political ideology and ethics has led some officials and Party members to view personal advancement as the ultimate goal, prioritizing individual interests over their oath to serve the people and the nation, and to accept any assignment from the Party or organization.

Extravagant lifestyles and wastefulness are not uncommon among some members of our ranks. Many have faced disciplinary action or even imprisonment as a result. At this moment, it is crucial to recall President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings: officials are servants of the people, and all efforts and sacrifices must serve the people's interests - not for personal gain or “revolutionary prestige.”

“Fire tests gold, adversity tests strength.” In this revolutionary effort to streamline the system, when faced with gains and losses, we will see who is willing to sacrifice personal interests for the greater cause and who is selfishly focused on their own position.

To be a true Communist, one must not shy away from hardship or difficulty, nor engage in self-serving calculations, because, as President Ho Chi Minh said, “Whatever benefits the people, strive to do it.”

Let us recall the humble yet powerful words of Ho Giao, a two-time Hero of Labor and three-term National Assembly delegate (terms 4, 5, and 6), who spent most of his life as a livestock caretaker: “The revolution needs all kinds of work, big or small. Fighting the Americans, raising cattle - everything is valuable.”

Balancing common and individual interests

Of course, the Party and the State always strive to balance common interests with individual ones. As General Secretary To Lam noted, “Streamlining clearly involves sacrifices, but this time, humanity is also a focus.”

The people will never forget the contributions of those who have dedicated themselves to the common cause. “Those who contribute will not be forgotten.” Economic improvements in recent years have allowed for the gradual implementation of policies to ensure fairness and protect the legitimate interests of those affected.

According to Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra, regarding policies for officials and public employees affected by organizational restructuring, the Ministry of Home Affairs has completed a draft decree to present to the Party Affairs Committee, the Government Steering Committee, and the Politburo in the near future. This draft includes several important principles:

Revolutionary reform must be matched with revolutionary mechanisms and policies - quick, bold, prominent, humane, and fair. Policies must ensure a reasonable overall balance among groups to stabilize the lives, rights, and interests of officials, public employees, and workers, ensuring no one is left behind during the restructuring of the political system.

Special emphasis is placed on encouraging early or immediate retirements within 12 months of an agency or unit’s restructuring, as determined by competent authorities.

Policies are tied to the accountability of leaders and units in evaluating, screening, and selecting officials, public employees, and workers for retirement in conjunction with downsizing and restructuring to enhance the quality of the workforce. Special attention is given to retaining capable and qualified individuals to prevent a “brain drain.”

Never before have we seen such resolve, nor has the gap between words and actions been so narrow. “Even on Sundays, we must work tirelessly,” declared General Secretary To Lam. Now more than ever, it is time for Communist leaders to demonstrate their commitment to sacrifice for the people and the nation, enabling the country to transition into an era of prosperity and abundance.

Dr. Dinh Van Minh
Former Head of the Legal Department, Government Inspectorate