Responding to social media rumors about continued administrative restructuring that would cut the number of provinces from 34 to just 16, the Ministry of Home Affairs stressed that this information is false and misleading. It warned that such unfounded claims could stir public anxiety and negatively affect civil servants and citizens alike.

The ministry urged the Central Commission for Propaganda and Education, the Central Commission for Mass Mobilization, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to instruct media agencies to deliver accurate information and clarify the government’s intentions and policies. This effort is critical to prevent and counter harmful, distorted, or subversive narratives.

According to the Ministry, the recent efforts to reorganize and restructure administrative units represent one of the most significant reforms in the country’s history. These reforms were only initiated after thorough deliberation and consensus among the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Government.

The 2025 phase of this administrative reorganization is more than just a streamlining of the state apparatus. It is also tied to decentralization of authority, planning of administrative units, allocation of resources, and the creation of new development spaces. The overarching goal is to establish a government structure that is closer to the people, improves service delivery, and sets a long-term development vision for the next 100 years.

As of July 1, 2025, a two-tier local government model (province and commune levels) has been implemented nationwide. The structure includes 34 provinces and cities, with a total of 3,321 communes, wards, and special zones.

The Ministry emphasized that at this time, neither the Party, the National Assembly, nor the Government have any plans to further restructure or merge administrative units. The top priority now is to consolidate the newly implemented two-tier local government system, ensuring its effectiveness and enhancing public service delivery.

On June 16, 2025, the National Assembly passed the Law on Local Government Organization (No. 72/2025/QH15), which introduces several new provisions regarding the two-tier governance model.

In line with this, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines to implement the law. These new documents replace outdated standards and regulations that no longer apply after the 2025 restructuring. They also aim to meet the requirements of modern governance and enhance public service quality.

The Ministry of Home Affairs: Claims of provincial merger to 16 are untrue

Phan Trung Tuan, Director of the Department of Local Government under the Ministry of Home Affairs, reiterated that the information regarding a supposed merger of 34 provinces and cities down to 16 is inaccurate and false.

Vu Diep