The Hanoi Times presents a brief overview of key messages from Party General Secretary To Lam’s recent article titled The Power of National Unity. The article emphasizes the enduring power of unity as Vietnam undergoes sweeping political and administrative reforms to streamline its state apparatus and advance sustainable development.
THE HANOI TIMES— “Unity, unity, great unity – Success, success, great success” - the immortal words from President Ho Chi Minh in the mid-20th century continue to resonate with urgency and relevance today.
The strength of solidarity is not only a lesson distilled from the lived experiences of humanity through the ages, but also the source of humankind’s most profound achievements.
This has proven true in Vietnam’s revolutionary history over the past century. Today, as the country moves forward with bold efforts to streamline and restructure its political system by merging administrative units, reshaping its institutional landscape and reimagining its spatial development in the name of sustainability, the spirit of unity must be more powerfully harnessed than ever.
Guided by the Party’s strategic vision and steadfast leadership, we are determined to preserve and strengthen national solidarity. This unity is our lifeblood, the red thread running through all Party and State policies. It ensures thorough, consistent, and effective implementation and, most importantly, it upholds the legitimate aspirations of the people.
A necessary demand of reform
Vietnam is vigorously advancing the renewal policy adopted at the 6th National Party Congress, with deep institutional reforms aimed at streamlining the organizational structure of the political system. These include the restructuring of administrative boundaries and the rollout of a two-tier local government model.
The goal is clear as it aims to slim down the apparatus, improve governance capacity and effectiveness, and devolve more power and autonomy to local levels. This model not only eliminates redundant intermediary levels but, more importantly, it reconfigures the country's development space for long-term sustainability, which will help local governments get closer to and more responsive to the people, are better positioned to serve the public interest.
At the same time, the central government has clearly delineated powers and delegated greater authority to localities, encouraging dynamism, creativity, and locally driven growth aligned with real-world needs.
Across all levels of government, from the central administration to local authorities, Vietnam is pushing forward a comprehensive and determined campaign with a dual goal: streamlining the state apparatus while simultaneously enhancing its effectiveness, ensuring better public service delivery, and ultimately improving people’s lives.
However, restructuring the political system and reorganizing administrative boundaries inevitably affects a segment of officials, Party members, and public servants. This reality demands fairness, political consensus, strong leadership, and perhaps most critically, personal sacrifice. Without unity and cohesion from top to bottom, the reform process risks being hindered by inconsistencies and resistance.
Solidarity throughout the political system is therefore the key to this reform’s success. Close coordination between central agencies and local governments is essential to swiftly resolve difficulties, while the shared commitment of officials, civil servants, and the public forms the stable foundation for the effective rollout of the new governance model. Never before has the call for "unity from top to bottom, seamless coordination across the system" been as vital as it is now.
A lack of solidarity during this sensitive restructuring process could give rise to division and internal tensions. The first signs may emerge within the ranks of officials themselves, who may fear losing their positions or facing job transfers after administrative mergers.
Without clear and reasonable policies to support those affected, morale can quickly erode, fostering discontent and division within the system.
In addition, local parochialism is another challenge not to be overlooked. People often feel a deep sense of attachment and pride toward their hometowns or communities. When localities are merged, disputes may arise over new administrative names, office locations, or staff appointments, fueling perceptions of inequality and obstructing the spirit of unity.
Cultural differences, customs, and development gaps between administrative units add further complexity. Mergers between mountainous and lowland provinces, or between economically “rich” and “poor” areas, require leaders with fairness and strategic vision to balance resources and harmonize development. Any failure to distribute resources equitably could widen regional disparities and fracture the national unity.
Meanwhile, hostile forces stand ready to exploit these difficulties, spreading misinformation to undermine trust between the Party, government, and the people. Without vigilance, Party members and citizens alike may fall prey to these subversive schemes, threatening not only the success of institutional reform but also national stability and development.
To preserve and strengthen national solidarity amid Vietnam’s ongoing political and administrative restructuring, a set of coordinated and strategic measures must be urgently implemented:
1. Strengthen unified leadership and direction
During this critical transition, maintaining cohesive leadership from central to local levels is essential. All Party Committees and government agencies must ensure strict adherence to resolutions, directives, and guidance issued by the Central Government, avoiding localized deviations or unauthorized actions. Equally important is the active role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations in mobilizing and uniting the people. At every stage of policymaking and implementation, the interests of the people must remain central. The bond between the Party and the people must be nurtured through transparency, trust, and public support.
2. Lead by example and reinforce discipline
Party members and officials, especially those in leadership positions, must serve as role models in maintaining internal unity and prioritizing collective interests over personal gain. Personnel arrangements following administrative mergers must be handled transparently and fairly, strictly adhering to established criteria. There must be zero tolerance for factionalism, vested interests, or regional bias. Strengthening administrative discipline is critical to promptly address signs of complacency or resistance during the transition period.
Special recognition and rewards should be given to individuals and groups who sacrifice personal benefits for the greater good. These actions not only reinforce morale but also promote a spirit of unity and shared purpose throughout the system.
3. Improve legal and policy frameworks to ensure equity and social cohesion
Legislation and policy must be continually revised and improved to balance regional interests and ensure social fairness throughout the restructuring process. This includes developing and implementing practical support mechanisms for localities and officials directly affected by administrative mergers, ranging from financial incentives and allowances to social security and infrastructure investment for newly merged areas.
Legal documents must be timely reviewed, revised, and supplemented to eliminate ambiguity, ensure coherence, and minimize procedural obstacles. Oversight and enforcement must also be enhanced to ensure legal compliance and accountability, thereby reinforcing public trust and broad consensus.
4. Promote public communication and consensus building
Broad and effective communication efforts are vital to help Party members, public servants, and citizens fully understand the purpose and long-term benefits of streamlining the state apparatus. This reform is not only necessary but also a strategic move for Vietnam’s sustainable development. Public messaging should combine historical education and the tradition of national unity with clear, transparent information on the restructuring roadmap, personnel arrangements, and financial matters.
Authorities must proactively counter disinformation and distortions from hostile forces, while also addressing harmful rumors that threaten social stability. Most importantly, direct dialogue between government leaders and the public should be intensified to dispel doubts, resolve concerns, and solidify trust and unity across society.
5. Uphold Party discipline and political integrity
The strength of the Party lies in its unity and political resolve. Every Party organization and member must uphold a deep sense of political integrity, putting the interests of the nation and the Party above all else. Strict adherence to the principles of democratic centralism and Party discipline is essential.
Diverging opinions within the Party should be encouraged and addressed through open, democratic, and constructive dialogue. Once consensus is reached, all members must stand united and implement decisions with full commitment. There must be no room for factionalism, localism, or actions that erode internal solidarity.
Party leaders, in particular, must serve as the central unifying force - exemplars of fairness and responsibility - capable of reconciling emerging conflicts and resisting all divisive schemes propagated by hostile forces. Only when there is full ideological and operational cohesion, from top to bottom and from within to without, can the unity of the Party and the people form an unshakable foundation for reform.
Unity - The timeless source of Vietnam’s strength
Unity has always been and will continue to be the invincible strength of Vietnam’s revolutionary cause. As the country enters a challenging period of institutional reorganization, this spirit must be deeply embraced and vigorously promoted.
History has tasked us with an extraordinary mission to build a leaner, more effective, and more efficient state apparatus that meets the urgent demands of rapid, sustainable national development in a new era. To accomplish this, there is no “weapon” more powerful than the solidarity of the entire political system and the full support of the people.
As President Ho Chi Minh profoundly stated: “Unity, unity, great unity – Success, success, great success.”
