At the 13th session of the 13th Central Committee, held at the Party Central Committee’s headquarters on the morning of October 6, Party leaders began discussions on personnel matters and draft documents in preparation for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.

General Secretary To Lam: A pivotal task for the nation’s future

In his opening remarks, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the Party had “firmly steered the ship through stormy seas,” maintaining stability and determination toward achieving  -  and surpassing  -  the strategic goals set by the 13th Party Congress.

He described the personnel work for the 14th Congress as a “particularly vital” and “decisive” mission that will determine the success of the congress and the country's development in the coming years.

According to the General Secretary, by August 20, all Party committees had completed the process of recommending candidates for the 14th Central Committee, submitting results to the Personnel Subcommittee.

Based on these recommendations and the review by competent agencies, the Politburo discussed and finalized the list of candidates for both the Central Committee and the Central Inspection Commission of the 14th term. The Politburo has also conducted internal votes to recommend nominees for re-election and new membership to the Inspection Commission.

At this conference, the Politburo will report to the Central Committee for opinions on the nomination results and personnel plans, and the Party Central Committee will cast ballots to officially nominate candidates for the 14th Party Central Committee and 14th Central Inspection Commission.

Integrity, capability, and public trust at the core of selection

General Secretary To Lam urged all members to base their selections on Party standards, qualifications, structure, and numbers, in line with personnel guidelines for the 14th Congress.

He stressed that every choice must place the interests of the Party, the nation, and the people above all else, ensuring balance between standards and structure; continuity and innovation; expertise and practical ability; experience and growth potential.

He reiterated that the essential criteria in choosing Party leaders must include virtue, competence, integrity, reputation, and effectiveness.

“We must select those who dare to think, dare to act, dare to take responsibility for the sake of national interest - those who are close to the people, respect the people, and serve the people,” he said.

He warned against allowing any individuals motivated by personal gain, ambition, or factionalism to enter the Central Committee.

Regarding the Inspection Commission, To Lam said the Party must select “courageous, fair, law-savvy, and highly professional” members who are ‘as clear as a mirror, as sharp as a sword’, serving as a true guardian of Party discipline.

Draft documents refined with 17 new points

The General Secretary said that the draft documents for the 14th Congress have been thoroughly prepared and revised several times, incorporating new directions agreed upon at the 11th and 12th Central Committee meetings.

He noted that the Political Report now integrates the essence of seven new Politburo resolutions and identifies 17 new highlights proposed for submission to the Congress.

Party Chief To Lam urged members to continue refining the drafts, saying: “Each round of feedback makes us stronger and makes the documents more complete.”

He asked delegates to focus their comments on five key themes:

Strengthening Party building and rectification
Continuing to renew leadership methods
Combating corruption, waste, and individualism
Enhancing the effectiveness of state governance and local administration
Defining new growth models centered on science, technology, and innovation

He emphasized that Vietnam’s new growth model should take digital transformation, science, and technology as its core drivers while continuing to perfect a socialist-oriented market economy under the Party’s leadership and state management.

Private enterprise, he said, remains a crucial engine of growth, alongside a stronger role for the state sector.

The upcoming action program of the Party Central Committee will translate these directions into concrete tasks, projects, and deadlines, each with clear responsibilities, resources, and measurable outcomes.

Tran Thuong