The National Assembly Standing Committee has submitted a report to the National Assembly recommending significant amendments to key constitutional provisions, aiming to modernize the political apparatus and accommodate upcoming administrative reforms.

The proposal stems from a comprehensive review of the implementation of several 2013 Constitution articles concerning the organization of the political system. The committee emphasized that changes are necessary to align with the goals of building an effective and modern national and local governance system.

One of the central focuses is on updating constitutional provisions related to the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), political-social organizations, and local governments.

The committee recommends clearly defining the VFF’s position, role, functions, authority, and responsibilities in the current context, especially as the structure of political-social organizations is being streamlined under the VFF umbrella.

It suggests revising Articles 9, 10, and Clause 1 of Article 84 to better reflect these changes.

Expanded role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front

Article 9 would be amended to provide a more comprehensive definition of the VFF and its member organizations, covering their principles, duties, powers, responsibilities, and structure, in line with the new organizational model that consolidates political-social groups under the VFF.

The proposal outlines a unified structure for political-social organizations such as the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Vietnam Women's Union, and the Vietnam Veterans Association - all to function under the VFF framework.

These organizations, founded on voluntary membership, are to represent and protect the legitimate rights and interests of their members while collaborating under the democratic coordination of the VFF.

Article 10 is set to be revised to maintain the historic role of trade unions while aligning with the updated Article 9 and reflecting the expected restructuring. It will also affirm the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor's role as an irreplaceable national-level representative of workers in labor relations and international matters, advocating for workers’ rights and interests.

Additionally, Clause 1 of Article 84 would be amended to remove the provision that allows central agencies of the VFF’s member organizations to submit draft laws or ordinances to the National Assembly or the Standing Committee.

Adjustments to local government structure

The Standing Committee also proposes amending Articles 110, 111, 112, 114, and 115 of the 2013 Constitution to accommodate a two-tier administrative model and streamline the structure of local government.

Article 110 would be revised to avoid listing each type of administrative unit at three levels. Instead, it would provide a broad framework, enabling future reorganization into a simplified two-tier system: provinces and centrally governed cities, and sub-provincial administrative units.

The Law on the Organization of Local Government would specify the types of sub-provincial administrative units, such as communes, wards, and special districts, ensuring long-term constitutional stability.

Articles 111, 112, 114, and 115 would be technically amended to avoid the term “local government level,” promoting consistency in how local governments - comprising People’s Councils and People’s Committees - are structured. This would eliminate confusion and varied interpretations across different localities.

Other revisions aim to align constitutional language with the expected streamlined political system and include transitional provisions to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation of local governments throughout the restructuring and merging process.

Tran Thuong