To ensure that Hanoi retains its historic elegance, cultural sophistication, and rich heritage amidst modern social development, the responsibility lies not only with local authorities but also with every segment of Hanoi’s population and, indeed, every citizen of Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam and leaders of Hanoi at the meeting. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

General Secretary To Lam, who serves as a member of the Hanoi National Assembly Delegation, expressed his views during a meeting today [December 3] between the city’s deputies and voters from the districts of Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, and Dong Da.

While acknowledging and commending the achievements of Hanoi's Party organizations, authorities, and citizens over the past year, the General Secretary emphasized that the city still has much to do and must strive to live up to the trust and expectations of the nation.

Reflecting on the aftermath of Typhoon No. 3, he pointed out weaknesses and shortcomings that need to be addressed, highlighting the shared responsibility of both the government and individual citizens. The General Secretary proposed several solutions and stressed that these efforts can only succeed with the active participation of each individual, the collective support of society, and citizens who join hands with the authorities.

At the meeting, voters expressed their approval and trust in the recent policies and decisions of the Party and State, praising them as being in line with the people’s will. They also commended General Secretary To Lam, whose leadership has instilled renewed confidence and a sense of purpose in the Party, military, and people, as Vietnam embarks on a new era of national progress.

Voters appreciated initiatives to fight waste, streamline the administrative apparatus, and strengthen the Party's integrity. They reaffirmed the people’s solidarity and unwavering commitment to implementing the Party’s wise policies, contributing to the nation’s development, and realizing President Ho Chi Minh’s vision of a prosperous Vietnam standing shoulder to shoulder with global powers.

Commenting on the outcomes of the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly, voters lauded the emphasis on improving the quality of legislative work, institutionalizing resolutions, and translating Party policies into practical actions. They noted the session’s efforts to address major national issues and lay the foundation for Vietnam’s transition to a new era of growth and development.

Overview of the meeting.

Additionally, voters called for a greater focus on digital transformation, administrative reforms, and simplification of procedures to foster efficient State-citizen interactions, accelerate industrialization and modernization, and propel the country forward.

Concerns were also raised about environmental issues, overcrowding in hospitals such as Bach Mai and Viet Duc, remuneration for health workers, and challenges in general education after 10 years of implementing the new curriculum. Voters called for additional measures to address these pressing matters.

In response, General Secretary To Lam acknowledged voters'  thoughtful and responsible contributions, expressing gratitude for their support of the Party’s policies. He pledged to fulfill his responsibilities as a representative of the people of the capital people and live up to their trust and expectations.

Outlining key milestones in Vietnam’s development in 2024, the General Secretary highlighted the achievement of all socio-economic targets for the year, exceeding expectations. These achievements lay a strong foundation for the nation’s ambitious goals for 2025 and the 2021–2026 period, positioning Vietnam to confidently enter a new era of growth and prosperity following the 14th National Party Congress in early 2026.

The Party Chief and voters of Hanoi.

He reflected on Vietnam’s remarkable transformation under nearly 95 years of Party leadership—from a poor, underdeveloped, and embargoed nation to a dynamic, middle-income country with a global presence. Vietnam is now one of the world’s 40 largest economies and ranks among the top 20 in terms of trade and foreign investment. It maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries, strategic partnerships with global powers, and plays an active role in international organizations and forums. These achievements have significantly improved the lives of 105 million citizens, drastically reduced poverty, and fostered political, economic, and cultural strength.

However, the General Secretary cautioned against complacency, recalling the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s  admonition not to "rest on our  laurels." He emphasized the need for greater efforts to achieve the nation’s aspirations, improve living standards, and realize President Ho Chi Minh’s vision of a peaceful, united, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam.

Responding to voters’ concerns about the nation’s development, the General Secretary outlined urgent priorities, including strengthening the Party’s leadership and governance, streamlining the political system, resolving institutional bottlenecks, and boosting socio-economic development to improve citizens’ livelihoods. He reaffirmed the Party’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, wastefulness, and malpractice, noting the recent inclusion of anti-waste efforts in the Central Steering Committee's agenda.

“This fight, he stressed, will be relentless, with no exceptions, to ensure a clean, strong political system that truly serves the people,” said To Lam. Public servants and officials, he concluded, must genuinely embody the principle of serving the people