The Communist Party of Vietnam Implements Sweeping Organizational Reforms

The Vietnamese Magazine -

Key Events

  • Vietnam Centralizes Power with New Party Ministries and Leadership Changes
  • Ex-Police Colonel Quits Thich Minh Tue’s Spiritual Journey, Citing Disagreements
  • Human Rights Groups File Complaint Against Vietnam Over Workers’ Rights
  • Proposed Traffic Penalty Hike in Hanoi Sparks Debate
  • Vietnam Expands Spratly Island Bases, Raising Concerns Among Neighbors

Vietnam Restructures Party and Government Apparatus

The Communist Party of Vietnam has announced a significant restructuring of its organizational apparatus, consolidating several key departments and appointing new leadership. General Secretary To Lam announced the Politburo's decisions regarding establishing four new departments under the Central Executive Committee and appointing their respective chiefs.

Formation of Four New Party Ministries

According to the Politburo's decision, four new Party ministries have been created:

  • Party Ministry of Central Party Organs – Headed by Standing Committee Secretary Tran Cam Tu, who will serve as party committee secretary.
  • Party Ministry of Government – Led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh as party secretary.
  • National Assembly Ministry – Chaired by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man as party committee secretary.
  • Fatherland Front Party and Central Unions – Headed by Do Van Chien, chairman of the central committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, as party committee secretary.

Mergers and Renaming of Committees

To streamline operations, the Politburo merged the Central Proclamation Board with the Central Committee, forming the Central Proclamation and National Assembly Committee. Previously head of the Central Propagation Board, Nguyen Trong Nghia was appointed its leader.

The Central Economic Committee has also been renamed the Central Policy and Strategy Board, with Tran Luu Quang continuing as its head.

New Appointments

On the same day, the Politburo appointed Le Hoai Trung as the head of the Party's Central Bureau, replacing General Nguyen Duy Ngoc, who now serves as head of the Central Examination Committee.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the municipal Party Committee announced the establishment of the Party Ministry of Municipal Party Bodies, comprising 30 grassroots organizations with 3,252 party members. Nguyen Thanh Nghi, deputy permanent secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Party Committee, was appointed its secretary.

State-Level Restructuring

The restructuring extends beyond the party to the state apparatus. On Feb. 6, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly announced that after streamlining, the National Assembly will reduce the number of its committees from 12 to eight, including the National Council and seven subordinate committees.

The government proposed further changes on Feb. 5, including the removal of People's Councils at the district and commune levels in centrally controlled cities. At the district level, several units, including inspectors and police departments, are set to be eliminated.

Media Industry Consolidation

The restructuring also affects Vietnam’s media landscape. On Feb. 7, Vietnam Television (VTV) General Director Nguyen Thanh Lam announced that VTV will reduce the number of its operational points from 27 to 22. Prior to this decision, several television stations had already ceased operations, transferring their functions to VTV. These include Congress Television, News Television, VTC Digital Television, VOV Television, and People's Television.

This comprehensive restructuring reflects Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to streamline governance and enhance the efficiency of state and party institutions.

Former Senior Police Officer Doan Van Bau Leaves Monk Thich Minh Tue’s Delegation

Former senior police officer Doan Van Bau and volunteers Le Khe Giap and Hung officially left Thich Minh Tue’s marching delegation, as announced in a video by Giap. However, on Feb. 6, Thich Minh Tue stated on YouTube that their departure was “Yathā Pratyaya,” emphasizing the idea that everything happens in accordance with existing conditions and causes.

Bau, a former senior colonel and psychology lecturer at the People's Security University, had been accompanying Thich Minh Tue on his spiritual journey to India since December 12, 2024. This delegation group is currently in Thailand.

Prior to leaving, Bau mentioned on Jan. 31 via his YouTube channel that the delegation would pause for one to two weeks to allow Thich Minh Tri to recover from foot injuries. On Feb. 2, a video showed Bau consulting on a medical issue within the group, but it was unclear whether Thich Minh Tri was the patient.

Bau’s departure follows internal disagreements within the group. In January, he went live on YouTube, detailing tensions, including suspicions from Thich Minh Tue, who questioned whether Bau was affiliated with the Religious Affairs Department, government, or police. Bau denied these allegations.

Bau also warned of potential political asylum attempts by another group to align Thich Minh Tue with a political organization.

Thich Minh Tue, real name Le Anh Tu, born in 1981 in Ha Tinh, became widely known in mid-2024 for his spiritual trek across Vietnam. His delegation crossed into Laos from Kon Tum Province and entered Thailand on December 31, 2024.

Vietnam Accused of Violating Labor Rights Under EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)

Feb. 4, 2025 – Vietnam is under scrutiny as four international human rights organizations have filed a complaint against the country with the European Commission (EC) for allegedly violating its commitments under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), signed in August 2020.

The International Federation for Human Rights, the Vietnam Committee on Human Rights, the Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and Global Witness with the EC's Ministry of Commerce lodged the complaint. These organizations accuse Vietnam of failing to uphold its obligations regarding workers' rights, environmental protection, and land rights as stipulated in the trade agreement.

Under the EVFTA, Vietnam committed to allowing the formation of independent workers' representative organizations. As a step toward compliance, Vietnam amended its Labor Code in 2019, incorporating provisions for such organizations at workplaces, including base unions and enterprise-level labor groups. However, the country has yet to ratify International Labour Organization Convention 87, which guarantees workers' freedom of association. Additionally, Vietnam has not issued a decree to guide the implementation of these provisions in the Labor Code, further delaying the establishment of independent trade unions.

The complaint underscores growing international pressure on Vietnam to fulfill its labor rights commitments, which are crucial to maintaining its trade relationship with the European Union.

Hanoi Considers Doubling Traffic Fines, Raising Concerns Among Drivers

Hai Duong News reports that the Hanoi People's Committee has proposed a draft resolution to increase fines for certain traffic violations by 1.5 to 2 times the current rates outlined in Decree 168/2024. Notably, the proposal suggests fines of up to 120 million dong ($4,800) for specific offenses, such as allowing vehicles to exceed road load limits by 20-50%. This move aims to enhance deterrence against traffic violations and improve road safety.

The proposal has elicited mixed reactions. Some drivers express concern that higher fines may impose financial strains on drivers, especially on those who rely on driving for their livelihood. They suggest that, alongside increasing fines, authorities should focus on improving traffic infrastructure and implementing automated surveillance systems to ensure fairness and effectiveness.

Conversely, transportation experts support the proposed increases, emphasizing the severe impact of certain violations, such as overloading, on infrastructure and safety. They argue that stricter penalties are necessary to deter intentional and dangerous infractions that can lead to significant damage and accidents.

The draft resolution is under review, with authorities considering public feedback to balance effective deterrence with fairness and practicality in enforcement.

RFA reports that Hanoi residents are expressing strong opposition to the city's proposal to increase traffic fines. Critics argue that the fines are disproportionate, especially considering existing infrastructure challenges that often force drivers to violate traffic rules. Some residents contend that the proposed fines are unfair, particularly compared to the lack of accountability for large-scale corruption cases. Authorities maintain that stricter penalties are necessary to improve traffic safety and reduce congestion in the capital.

Vietnam Strengthens Maritime Presence with Island-Building in Disputed Waters

Vietnam has significantly accelerated its island reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, creating a record 280 hectares (692 acres) of new land across 10 features in the Spratly Archipelago between November 2023 and June 2024, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. This expansion includes plans for multiple airstrips, which would enhance Vietnam's strategic capabilities in the region.

Initiated in 2007, Vietnam's maritime strategy aims to develop coastal areas and an exclusive economic zone, with the goal of these areas contributing between 53% and 55% of the gross domestic product by 2020. However, substantial landfill and infrastructure construction in the Spratly Islands began only in 2021.

While China's earlier construction of artificial islands equipped with military facilities has been a point of contention, Vietnam's recent activities have also drawn criticism from neighboring countries. In October 2024, Malaysia complained about Vietnam's development of an airstrip on Barque Canada Reef, a feature claimed by both nations. The Philippines has also expressed concerns, stating it closely monitors Vietnam's island-building endeavors.

Analysts suggest that Vietnam's actions are driven by a need to bolster its defenses amid increasing regional tensions. Carl Thayer, a Vietnam expert at the University of New South Wales, notes that Vietnam's occupation of these features serves to deny China the opportunity to expand its presence further. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Carl Schuster adds that Vietnam's expansion and fortification of its garrisons are strategic moves to deter potential aggression from the People's Republic of China.

Despite the potential for heightened tensions, Vietnam's island-building program focuses primarily on developing an integrated marine economy, with only modest defensive installations such as pillboxes and gun emplacements on the newly developed features. This approach reflects Hanoi's cautious strategy of strengthening its territorial claims while avoiding overt militarization that could escalate regional disputes.

Quick Takes:

New Zealand Seeks Extradition of Vietnamese Officials Over Sexual Abuse Claims

New Zealand police are requesting the extradition of two Vietnamese officials following allegations of sexual abuse during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit in March 2024, according to BBC News English.

Authorities report that after a delegation dinner in Wellington, two female restaurant workers alleged they were drugged and assaulted in a karaoke room. This follows a similar incident in November 2024 in Chile, when a bodyguard of President Luong Cuong was accused of sexual abuse during a state visit. The case is now under international legal review.

Vietnam’s Average Worker Salary Rises to Nearly 9 Million Dong/Month

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced that the average salary of Vietnamese workers in 2024 has reached nearly 9 million dong per month, marking a 4% increase from 2023’s average of 8.65 million dong.

Additionally, the Lunar New Year bonus for 2025 is expected to average 7.72 million dong per person, reflecting a 13% increase compared to 2024. The figures were disclosed during a government meeting, highlighting positive economic growth and improved worker earnings across the country.

Vietnam Sees Sharp Rise in Influenza A Cases

Since the beginning of 2025, Vietnam has recorded 912 cases of influenza, primarily influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B. While no fatalities have been reported, the number of flu cases in January 2025 was six times higher than in December 2024.

The Ministry of Health advises the public to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, wear masks in crowded places, wash hands regularly with soap, and receive the seasonal flu vaccine to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Vietnam’s State Bank Injects Over 35,000 Billion Dong Into The Market

February 4, 2025 – The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) injected 35,720 billion dong into the currency market during trading sessions on Feb. 3 and 4 to support liquidity.

This follows a larger intervention in late January, where nearly 130,000 billion dong was pumped into the market. The move aims to increase available funds for banks, enabling more lending and stimulating economic activity. The SBV’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure financial stability and maintain economic growth amid fluctuating market conditions.

Former Director-General Accused of Accepting 500 Million Dong Bribe

The Ministry of Public Security has concluded that Nguyen Van Thuan, former director-general of the General Directorate of Geology and Minerals, accepted a 500 million dong bribe from Doan Van Hoan, chairman of Thai Duong Co., in exchange for a mining license.

The company then illegally extracted and sold over 10,200 tons of rare earth ore and 280,000 tons of iron ore in Yen Bai, resulting in a state loss of more than 864 billion dong. Former Deputy Minister Nguyen Linh Ngoc and seven other officials are also facing prosecution in connection with the case.

Sharp Rise in Business Closures Across Vietnam

Vietnam saw a significant increase in business closures in January 2025, with over 52,800 enterprises registering temporary suspensions, a 20.2% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office.

Meanwhile, 10,800 new enterprises were established, with a total registered capital of 99,100 billion dong, marking a 16.6% decline in the number of new businesses and a 35.3% drop in registered capital compared to January 2024. The data reflects ongoing economic challenges impacting business sustainability and investment.

Germany Protects Fugitive Vietnamese Businesswoman, Denies Extradition Request

Germany is providing top-level protection to Vietnamese businesswoman Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan, who is wanted in Vietnam on corruption charges, according to a report by German newspaper Bild. Nhan, former chairwoman of  Advanced International Joint Stock Co., was sentenced in absentia to 30 years in prison in 2023 for bid rigging and bribery. She fled Vietnam and, in the summer of 2023, turned herself in German authorities, who have since placed her in a secure location. Germany has denied Vietnam's extradition request and warned Hanoi against any abduction attempts, referring to a similar incident in 2017 that strained diplomatic relations.