Vietnam's 15th National Assembly opens in Hanoi
(NLĐO) - On the morning of May 5, the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly of Vietnam officially commenced at the National Assembly House in Hanoi.
This session is regarded as historic, aimed at making significant decisions to shape the future of the country, particularly following the 11th Central Committee Conference of the 13th Party Congress.
Prior to the opening, at 7:15 AM, leaders from the Party, State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and National Assembly delegates paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.
The 9th session solemnly opened on May 5 and is scheduled to conclude on June 30. Photo: Phạm Thắng
At 8:00 AM, a preparatory session was held where National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn delivered an opening speech. Mr Lê Quang Tùng - member of the National Assembly Standing Committee and Secretary General of the 15th National Assembly - presented the proposed agenda. Delegates discussed and voted to adopt the working program.
At 9:00 AM, the formal opening ceremony took place at the Diên Hồng Hall. It was broadcast live on VTV1 and VOV1. National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn delivered the keynote address, outlining key priorities for the session.
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính then presented an updated report on the implementation of the 2024 socio-economic development and state budget plan, and early 2025 developments.
Parliamentarians reviewed reports on voters' opinions, supervision outcomes of previous proposals, and a draft proposal to amend the 2013 Constitution, including the formation of a Constitutional Amendment Drafting Committee.
Throughout the day, delegates discussed these proposals in both group and plenary sessions. In the afternoon, the Assembly was expected to vote on two critical resolutions: amendments to the Constitution and establishment of the drafting committee.
On May 4, the eve of the session, Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn chaired a preparatory meeting with Party caucus group leaders and heads of provincial delegations. He stressed the historical importance of the 9th session, which seeks to institutionalize new resolutions from the Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat - particularly decisions from the 11th Party Central Committee Conference.
Key priorities include: amending the Constitution and laws to streamline government structure, reform local governance, remove legal bottlenecks, enhance decentralization, and unlock new growth potential for localities and the nation.
Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn urged delegates to innovate their working methods and contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to decisions that will impact the country's future.
The 9th session is scheduled to run for 37 days, from May 5 to June 30, in two phases: May 5–29 and June 11–30. Lawmakers will deliberate on 54 legislative and constitutional items—including three resolutions on constitutional matters and 51 laws and legislative resolutions. In addition, 14 key topics related to socio-economic issues, state budget, and oversight will be addressed, along with 8 report groups submitted for study and reference.