National Assembly adopts two revised laws

On February 19, the 15th National Assembly adopted the Law on Organisation of Local Governments (revised) and the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents (revised).

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NA Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh chairs the session. Photo: Quang Khanh

With 458 out of 459 votes in favour (95.82%), deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) passed the Law on Organisation of Local Governments (revised) on February 19 as part of their ninth extraordinary session.

This updated legislation emphasises decentralisation, empowering local governments with more autonomy, in line with the principle of local decisions, local actions, local accountability.

The revision clarifies the roles and responsibilities of local People’s Councils and People’s Committees, ensuring a clear division of duties across different levels of government. It also introduces provisions that allow local authorities to adjust administrative procedures when decentralisation requires changes to existing processes, promoting greater flexibility in governance.

A significant addition to the law is the provision enabling provincial governments to pilot special policies aimed at accelerating local socio-economic development, subject to approval by the Prime Minister. The law also empowers local authorities to take urgent measures in cases of national importance, such as disaster response or public health emergencies.

Other key amendments include clearer regulations on the composition of local councils, the number of representatives, and their roles in the upcoming electoral process. Additionally, the law allows for more flexibility in the structure of local executive bodies, with the government now authorised to adjust the number of members to optimise efficiency.

Deputies at the National Assembly's ninth extraordinary session (Photo: Ho Long)
Deputies at the National Assembly's ninth extraordinary session (Photo: Ho Long)

Also on February 19, the NA also adopted the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents (revised) with 459 “yes” votes out of 461 attending deputies (96.03%).

The law, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, comprises nine chapters and 72 articles, outlining the procedures for drafting and enforcing legal documents.

One key update is the introduction of a new policy consultation process, requiring agencies proposing policies to seek input from those directly affected, as well as from political and social organisations. Consultations with key bodies such as the NA’s Standing Committee and relevant ministries will also be mandatory.

The law establishes clear timelines for submitting legislative drafts to NA members and sets out procedures for approval by both the NA and the NA Standing Committee. The emphasis on policy consultations aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of proposed laws./.

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Cabinet members deliberate on seven draft laws
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Cabinet members deliberate on seven draft laws

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long underscored the importance of these draft laws, highlighting their roles in enhancing judicial cooperation in criminal matters, facilitating the extradition and the effective transfer of sentenced persons, while also improving swift and effective response to emergency situations.

Politburo, Secretariat's conclusion on tasks for political system streamlining in 2025
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Politburo, Secretariat's conclusion on tasks for political system streamlining in 2025

The Politburo directed the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission to continue working closely with Party committees and affiliated Party bodies to tackle obstacles arising during the implementation phase, ensuring strict adherence to the 13th-term Politburo’s Directive on the organisation of Party congresses at all levels in the lead-up to the 14th National Party Congress and the Politburo’s conclusion on adjustments to the Directive.

NA's 9th extraordinary session wraps up
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NA's 9th extraordinary session wraps up

Speaking at the closing ceremony, NA Chairman Man stated that the session, which lasted six and a half days, adopted multiple laws and resolutions aimed at reorganising the state apparatus and accelerating socio-economic development.

Resolution adjusting 2025 socio-economic development plan adopted
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Resolution adjusting 2025 socio-economic development plan adopted

Under the resolution, the legislative body decided to adjust some key targets. Accordingly, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is set to reach 8% or higher, with the GDP scale this year expected to exceed 500 billion USD. The GDP per capita is projected to surpass 5,000 USD, and the average consumer price index (CPI) growth rate is targeted to be around 4.5 - 5%.

NA greenlights investment policy of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong rail project
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NA greenlights investment policy of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong rail project

According to the resolution, the construction of a modern and harmonious railway aims to meet the transport demand between Vietnam and China. The initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for rapid and sustainable economic development along the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor while strengthening national defence and security and promoting the industrialisation and modernisation, contributing to delivering on the targets and missions set at the documents of the 13th National Party Congress and the Party’s resolutions.

NA deputies to approve several resolutions, laws on February 19
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NA deputies to approve several resolutions, laws on February 19

The deputies will pass a resolution addressing issues related to the streamlining of the political system’s organisational apparatus, a resolution on supplementation to the 2025 socio-economic development plan with a growth target of at least 8%, and another on pilot policies to remove barriers in science-technology research and innovation activities.

Revised law on organisation of Government set to be adopted on Feb.18
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Revised law on organisation of Government set to be adopted on Feb.18

The draft law clarifies the cabinet's duties along several key dimensions such as submitting fundamental and critical matters to the NA for decision, presenting issues within the NA Standing Committee's jurisdiction for resolution, proposing amnesty decisions to the President in accordance with the regulations, and executing responsibilities within the Government's authority.

Legislators look into investment mechanisms for Ninh Thuan nuclear power project
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Legislators look into investment mechanisms for Ninh Thuan nuclear power project

The Government's proposal states that the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is of exceptional importance, involving advanced technologies possessed by only a few countries. With its high investment capital amount and being the first of its kind in Vietnam, the project necessitates special and strong mechanisms and policies to accelerate the progress and shorten the implementation time.

Vietnam's trade unions asked to contribute more to Party's revolutionary cause
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Vietnam's trade unions asked to contribute more to Party's revolutionary cause

The top legislator stated that trade unions at all levels, along with union officials, members, and workers - especially those who are also Party members - must promote their pioneering role, set examples, and enhance their political mettle, professional qualifications, vocational skills, industrial style, and work discipline to contribute more to the country’s rapid and sustainable development.