During the 26th session of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption and Misconduct on August 14, presided over by General Secretary and President To Lam, a comprehensive plan was laid out to intensify the fight against corruption, continuing the legacy of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. This session marked a pivotal moment, reinforcing the continuity of a campaign that has been pivotal since the 13th Party Congress.

Under the late General Secretary Trong’s tenure, significant strides were made in eradicating corruption, which resonated across all levels of society, fostering a climate of accountability and transparency. The anticipation for these initiatives to persist under General Secretary To Lam is high, as the public and governmental apparatus look to him for leadership in reinforcing these measures.

Acknowledging the successes and the road ahead, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the necessity of embedding anti-corruption efforts more deeply within the grassroots of the Party and governmental structures. He urged that this fight requires the active participation of all officials and Party members, under consistent scrutiny to uphold integrity and accountability.

The call was clear: the battle against corruption is not to be centralized solely within high-level committees but must become a part of the daily operations of all branches of government and the Party. This involves enhancing the quality of Party meetings and emphasizing the need for self-criticism and mutual accountability, which are crucial for early detection and correction of potential infractions.

Highlighting recent corruption cases within major corporations such as Viet A, AIC, Phuc Son, and Thuan An, Mr. To Lam pointed out the extensive damage these incidents have caused to public trust and the direct impact on national development. These cases underline the importance of vigilance and maintaining strict ethical standards within Party ranks and governmental operations.

In response, Mr. To Lam outlined a series of proactive measures aimed at preventing corruption before it occurs. These include tightening institutional controls, enhancing transparency through digital transformation, and promoting cashless transactions to reduce opportunities for corrupt practices.

Further, General Secretary To Lam emphasized addressing the root causes of corruption, particularly the degradation of political ideology, ethics, and lifestyle among Party members. More than 4,000 Party members have faced disciplinary actions in the first half of the year alone for violations of this nature, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

Concluding his address, Mr. To Lam stressed that anti-corruption efforts must harmonize with the country’s economic and social development goals. As Vietnam approaches significant national milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding and the country’s independence, it is crucial to ensure that anti-corruption measures bolster rather than hinder progress.

The recent uncovering of over 300 legal inconsistencies by the Steering Committee, with 80 already addressed, is a testament to the government's commitment to streamline governance, unblock resources, and stimulate proactive governance, contributing to a robust GDP growth rate of 6.42% in the first half of the year.

General Secretary and President To Lam’s latest directives not only reaffirm Vietnam's resolve against corruption but also set a framework for sustainable national advancement, merging integrity with innovation.

Dr. Le Van Hanh (Central Internal Affairs Commission)