Vietnamese lawmakers have praised the government’s flexible and proactive leadership during a turbulent term, while urging stronger action on food safety, healthcare oversight and environmental protection.
At a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on April 1, Le Thi Nga highlighted the extraordinary challenges faced over the past term, from the Covid-19 pandemic to natural disasters and global geopolitical tensions.
Standing Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee for Petitions and Supervision Le Thi Nga delivers a speech. Photo: NA
She noted that nearly two years at the start of the term were heavily affected by the pandemic, a period when “it once seemed we might not overcome the situation.” However, under the leadership of the Party and decisive government actions, Vietnam managed to navigate the crisis.
Midway through the term, severe storms and floods caused significant damage, prompting what she described as highly responsive and hands-on intervention by the government, including reconstruction efforts under the Quang Trung campaign.
Toward the end of the term, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove up global fuel prices, placing pressure on the domestic economy. In response, the government implemented flexible tax policies to stabilize fuel prices at levels manageable for citizens.
According to Le Thi Nga, despite successive challenges, the government achieved notable results, with average economic growth reaching 6.2% and exceeding 8% in 2025. Most key targets set by the Party and National Assembly were largely fulfilled, alongside the completion of major infrastructure, energy and transport projects.
She emphasized that public sentiment reflects strong confidence in the government’s performance.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the scene of the landslide in Lang Nu village, Lao Cai, in September 2024. Photo: VGP
“People are impressed by a government that is flexible and proactive, and by a prime minister who is deeply engaged with reality, close to the people, and working tirelessly regardless of day or night,” she said, referring to Pham Minh Chinh.
However, lawmakers also raised pressing concerns requiring urgent attention in the next term.
Food safety emerged as a major issue, with a series of recent violations ranging from counterfeit food products to contaminated meat entering school kitchens. Le Thi Nga called for a nationwide inspection campaign to address systemic weaknesses and restore public trust.
On road safety, she noted that while the number of accidents and casualties has declined, the figures remain high. In 2025 alone, more than 10,000 people died and around 12,000 were injured in traffic accidents, averaging 28 deaths per day.
Environmental pollution, particularly in rivers, air and water sources, continues to be severe and unresolved, she added.
Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Nguyen Thanh Hai delivers a speech. Photo: NA
Concerns were also raised about grassroots governance, including infrastructure, staffing levels and policies affecting local officials.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Thanh Hai pointed to gaps in the oversight of private healthcare services. While reforms such as cross-provincial health insurance coverage have improved access, she warned that regulation of private clinics remains inconsistent.
She cited a recent case in central Hanoi where an underqualified individual was found advising patients and using online videos to guide medical procedures, describing the incident as “shocking.”
Nguyen Thanh Hai called for stricter nationwide inspections of private medical facilities, warning of practices such as unnecessary treatments and uncontrolled pricing that exploit patients’ concerns.
The session underscored both the government’s achievements in steering the country through multiple crises and the need for more decisive reforms to address structural weaknesses in public safety and service delivery.
Vietnamnet.vn
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