The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi on May 19 convened a conference to gather feedback on the draft resolution to amend and supplement several articles of the 2013 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Participants at the meeting largely supported the proposed changes, especially those related to streamlining the political apparatus and clarifying the role of mass organizations under the VFF.

Vu Hao Quang, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Opinion Research under the Party Central Committee's Commission for Communication and Education, said that the amendments closely align with the national goal of streamlining the state structure.

He supported the proposal to place socio-political organizations under the VFF's umbrella, calling it a logical and necessary step.

"These organizations have a degree of operational independence, their own seals and charters. Using the term 'affiliated' does not diminish their status," he said.

Dang Huyen Thai, former Vice Chairwoman of the VFF Committee, also voiced agreement with the direction of restructuring.

She stressed that improving the legal framework, starting with the Constitution, is essential to meet the country's development goals.

The draft resolution includes new provisions on the role, function, and operating principles of the VFF, ensuring consistency with the reorganized structure, she said.

"The resolution better defines the VFF's central role in the political system as a platform for people of all backgrounds to exercise their democratic rights," Thai said.

"The VFF is now also officially recognized as an entity empowered to propose draft laws."

She highlighted that Article 9 of the revised Constitution clearly states that the VFF is part of the political system under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This legal recognition significantly elevates the VFF's institutional role and authority.

A major proposed change is the inclusion of key mass organizations, such as the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, Vietnam Farmers' Union, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Vietnam Women's Union, and the Vietnam Veterans Association, under the VFF's coordination.

This unified model is designed to eliminate overlap, reduce administrative layers, and improve governance efficiency.

Thai cautioned that to preserve the unique identities and autonomy of each member organization, the mechanism for VFF leadership and coordination must be clearly defined.

She also called for a stronger legal framework to enhance the VFF's social oversight and policy review functions, particularly to prevent symbolic or ineffective supervision.

The former chairwoman recommended further amendments to relevant laws and regulations to clarify collaboration between the VFF and its member organizations.

Lawyer Le Duc Binh echoed these views, emphasizing that Article 9's clarification, that the VFF is part of the political system under the Communist Party's leadership, reflects Vietnam's current constitutional model.

He said that the structure supports the mechanism of "Party leadership, State management, and people's ownership," bringing together national unity and representing the will and aspirations of the people.

Placing major socio-political organizations under the VFF for unified management adheres to the Constitution and relevant laws, Binh said.

This consolidation strengthens the VFF's mandate and formalizes its leadership role, improving operational effectiveness and governance, he added.

Once the constitutional amendments are approved and enacted, the entire state and VFF apparatus will undergo structural consolidation, the lawyer said.

Binh urged the Party and State to ensure that personnel, particularly those in leadership, are evaluated and appointed fairly, with a focus on merit and effectiveness, and without favoritism or group interests.

He also called for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent misconduct, personal bias, internal divisions, or local factionalism.

In her closing remarks, Nguyen Lan Huong, Chairwoman of the Hanoi VFF Committee, thanked participants for their thoughtful and in-depth contributions.

She said that the comments reflected the expertise and experience of VFF officials, scholars, and experts from various periods.

"The contributions reaffirm the need to amend the 2013 Constitution to align with Central Committee and Politburo directives, institutionalize governance reforms, and streamline the organization of the VFF and socio-political groups for greater efficiency," Huong said.

She affirmed that the Hanoi VFF Committee would objectively and accurately compile all feedback and forward it to the relevant authorities for consideration in finalizing the constitutional amendments.