Opening of the First Session of the 16th National Assembly: Calls to advance one step in institutional reform

Opening of the First Session of the 16th National Assembly was held at the National Assembly Hall in Hanoi, marking the start of the 2026–2031 legislative term with many important items on the organization of the state apparatus, lawmaking, and key economic and social development decisions. Attending the opening ceremony were General Secretary To Lâm; President Luong Cuong; Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính; Standing Secretary of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu; Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai; along with other leaders, former leaders of the Party, State, and National Assembly, and international guests. In his opening remarks, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the election of deputies for the XVI National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term had been successful, reflecting thorough preparation, organized structure, and broad consensus among voters and people nationwide. He noted that the election results reinforce citizens’ trust in the Party and the State, and enhance Vietnam’s standing on the international stage. On behalf of the newly elected deputies, the Chairman expressed gratitude to voters and the people and acknowledged the contributions of the XV National Assembly, highlighting the new thinking in lawmaking, the application of science and technology, digital transformation, the digitization of Parliament, and artificial intelligence; he affirmed the role of being a step ahead in institutional reform, timely removing bottlenecks, unleashing resources for development, and strengthening oversight and decision-making on major national issues. Assessing the country’s development context after 40 years of renewal, the Chairman stated that the economy has maintained high growth, the economy reached about 514 billion USD, ranking 32nd in the world; the five-year average growth recently stood at 6.2% per year; per capita income reached 5,026 USD; the multidimensional poverty rate remained at about 1.3%; national defense and security were maintained, and Vietnam’s international standing continued to rise. In this context, the Chairman urged the XVI National Assembly to continue inheriting achievements from previous terms, to enhance responsibility, political will, and modern governance; to improve the quality of legislation so that laws are not only good on paper but also effective in life. Information on the First Session program indicates that the National Assembly will consider and decide many core topics, including: reviewing the general election and confirming the eligibility of deputies for the XVI National Assembly; examining the structure and electing or approving top leadership of the state apparatus; assessing the situation of the economy, society, finance, and the state budget; reviewing the five-year development plans for 2026–2030; approving eight laws and some important legal resolutions of the session. The Chairman emphasized that lawmakers should place national interests above all, leverage intellect and political resolve to serve the nation and people, and contribute to achieving development goals in the new term. The First Session’s program was approved, covering key items such as a keynote address by the General Secretary and strategic guidelines for the Parliament. The session will also address the organizational structure and personnel appointments for senior state leadership and the approval of major state functions, which will directly affect the quality and efficiency of the state apparatus throughout the term. It will review reports on the economy, society, finance, and the state budget, including the results of 2025 performance and early 2026 developments, and proposals for breakthrough and feasible solutions amid volatile global conditions, including impacts from regional conflicts. It will also approve the settlement of the 2024 budget and consider five-year plans for 2026–2030 on socio-economic development, national finances, debt management, and medium-term public investment. In addition, it will consider eight laws and one regulatory resolution, a resolution on the National Assembly’s 2027 oversight program, a resolution establishing a dedicated oversight delegation of the National Assembly, and a joint resolution of the First Session of the XVI National Assembly. Today, the parliament is to elect the President and Vice Presidents of the National Assembly, among other constitutional duties.