Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng sworn in; government to focus on five major policy directions

On the afternoon of April 7, in Dien Hong Hall at the National Assembly Building in Hanoi, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng, elected by the 16th National Assembly for the 2026–2031 term, took the oath of office in accordance with the Constitution and delivered a speech before the National Assembly, the people, and voters nationwide.

In his remarks, Comrade Lê Minh Hưng expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for entrusting him with the role of Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, emphasizing that the position is both an honor and a heavy responsibility before the Fatherland, the people, and the demands of rapid and sustainable development.

Gratitude and political foundation

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the founder and lifelong leader of the Party, and expressed deep thanks to predecessors, veteran revolutionaries, national heroes and martyrs, and the people for their contributions and sacrifices that have elevated Vietnam’s position and global standing.

He also thanked the leadership of the Party’s Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm, and acknowledged the foundation laid by previous Party and State leaders to support the coming government.

Development vision and five government directions

The Prime Minister said the Party’s XIV Congress has defined the vision, goals, momentum, and action program for a new development phase, describing it as a historical opportunity requiring Vietnam to “continue developing but break through,” “integrate but elevate its position,” and “grow but grow rapidly, sustainably, inclusively,” while improving people’s living standards and happiness.

He stated that the Government will focus on five major directions:

1) Build a modern, innovative government serving the people

The Government will prioritize establishing and improving institutions, reviewing and reforming legal provisions, cutting administrative procedures, resolving bottlenecks, and mobilizing social resources. It will build a lean, capable, and efficient government under a proactive, action-oriented approach, requiring each member to align words with deeds and govern with modern management thinking.

2) Run the economy for high and sustainable growth

The Government’s target is an average GDP growth rate above 10% per year for 2026–2031, described as a development imperative to realize the country’s strategic goals.

The Prime Minister said key breakthroughs include advancing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to develop a modern productive sector, raise productivity and competitiveness, ensure strategic autonomy, create new growth momentum, and develop infrastructure comprehensively and modernly. The Government will also accelerate green transformation and proactively adapt to climate change.

He said the Government will reinforce the leading role of the state while allowing the private sector to become the most important driving force, ensuring that every locality, business, and citizen can contribute and benefit fairly from development.

Investment in people was identified as the most sustainable investment for the future, including resources for fundamental reforms in education and training, developing a high-quality workforce, and attracting top talent. The Government will enhance the capacity of the public healthcare system, ensure access to quality health services, implement social welfare policies effectively, care for those who have contributed to the country, and protect vulnerable groups to prevent anyone from being left behind.

Building and developing culture was also cited as a foundation for internal strength, affirming Vietnam’s cultural identity and its status as a developed country with a long-standing tradition of culture.

The Prime Minister also highlighted strengthening national defense and security and building a people’s defense posture linked with a robust people’s security posture.

3) Operate the government apparatus efficiently under a new model

From July 1, 2025, local government at two levels will officially operate, and the Government’s task is to ensure the new apparatus works effectively.

The Prime Minister said the Government will deepen decentralization and delegation of authority with reasonable resource allocation, improve the capacity of officials—especially at commune and ward level—and make 2026 the year to raise the quality of grassroots officials.

He added that the Government will shift from administrative management to administrative service and governance that better serves people and businesses. Localities will be empowered to decide what they can do faster and more effectively, and public satisfaction will be used as a metric to assess government performance at all levels.

4) Build a cohesive, coordinated, and collaborative Government

The Government will uphold the principle that state power is unified, with clearly defined functions, divisions, coordination, and checks among legislative, executive, and judicial bodies. It will also fully promote the role of the Fatherland Front, political-social organizations, the business community, and the people in policy formulation, auditing, and implementation.

5) Build an honest, disciplined, principled, and responsible Government

The Prime Minister stressed that public trust is the nation’s greatest resource and said that achieving rapid development requires a clean apparatus, incorruptible officials, and disciplined public service.

The Government committed to placing national interests and the people’s happiness first, strengthening anti-corruption, waste, and negativity, tightening discipline and administrative order, enhancing accountability of leaders, and exercising strict control of power. It will address avoidance and indifference to people’s difficulties and implement effective incentives to encourage officials to think, act, and take responsibility for the common good.

Commitment and expected unity

The Prime Minister said that despite a challenging yet glorious mission, the Government of the 2026–2031 term is aware of its responsibility to the people and will follow President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching: “Our Government is the government of the people, with one purpose: to devote itself to serving the people’s interests.”

He pledged to work with the entire Government, ministries, and localities in unity to lead the country into a breakthrough development phase described as strong, prosperous, civilized, and happy.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude and looked forward to continued close leadership from the Party’s Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and General Secretary and President Tô Lâm; support and input from former Party and State leaders; cooperation and oversight from the National Assembly; support and participation from the Fatherland Front and other political-social organizations; and solidarity and involvement from the Vietnamese people domestically and abroad, and friends worldwide.

Source: Government Portal (baochinhphu.vn)