Vietnam’s Historic Government Restructuring

Vietnam has recently concluded its most extensive government restructuring, accomplished remarkably in just two months. The Ministry of Home Affairs has effectively streamlined government operations, combined several ministries, and initiated key reforms, ahead of the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.

In a special conversation with VietNamNet, Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra discussed the multitude of challenges and the dedication that fueled this significant change.

Reflecting on the journey, Minister Tra revealed that her team felt relief only after the Communist Party’s Central Committee sanctioned the restructuring plan on January 24, 2025. “The urgency of this transformation was undeniable,” she pointed out, highlighting its significance in relation to key national commemorations and milestones.

Over the past eight weeks, her team dedicated themselves to the overhaul, often working late into the night and sacrificing personal time to manage a substantial volume of responsibilities.

“I noticed my colleagues visibly exhausted, yet their resolve remained strong. We understood the historical importance of our task, and quitting was never an option,” she shared passionately.

The reform involved consolidating ten ministries into five and removing redundant entities, resulting in:

• Decreasing ministries from 22 to 17
• Dissolving 13 general departments and 519 administrative units
• Eliminating over 3,300 local organizations and restructuring leadership roles

Minister Tra identified the complex nature of managing personnel changes as the greatest hurdle, impacting 100,000 workers. “Determining ‘who stays and who goes’ is a delicate matter. We must ensure fairness and transparency in our decisions,” she clarified.

To aid those affected, the government implemented three significant decrees:

• Decree 177: Assistance for officials not being reappointed or choosing early retirement.
• Decree 178: Plans for compensation and reassignments for impacted officials.
• Decree 179: Encouraging skilled individuals to take on government positions.

Moreover, the restructuring aims not only at downsizing but also at enhancing the overall governance framework.

“This is more than administrative change – it’s a political transformation requiring commitment and a new mindset,” noted Minister Tra.

She emphasized that the reform transcends mere reductions in numbers. It focuses on establishing a governance model characterized by efficiency, accountability, and greater decentralization.

“The guiding principle is straightforward: local entities will gain more autonomy – ‘local decisions, local actions, local responsibility’,” she reiterated, aligning with General Secretary To Lam’s vision.

As the restructuring unfolds, the Minister encouraged civil servants nationwide to adopt a positive outlook toward change, framing it as a beneficial evolution rather than an obstacle.

“Change heralds fresh opportunities. Those who step aside are paving the way for future advancements, and their contributions will remain valued,” she described.

Quoting Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the National University of Singapore, she expressed: “View this restructuring not as a rivalry, but as a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the nation.”

Looking forward, Vietnam is poised to enter a new governance chapter that values quality and aims for high-income status by 2045.

“This effort transcends government scope – it’s about cultivating a resilient Vietnam for the generations to come.”