On March 28, the 17th Hanoi People's Council for the 2026–2031 term convened its first session to consider and decide on personnel matters and other issues within its authority.

Attending the session were Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; Nguyen Trong Dong, member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; Vu Dai Thang, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; Phung Thi Hong Ha, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Council; Nguyen Van Phong, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; Bui Huyen Mai, member of the Standing Board of the Hanoi Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Hanoi; along with other Standing Board members, Party Committee members and leaders of departments and agencies.

Before the opening ceremony, the Hanoi Election Committee presented certificates to elected deputies of the 17th Hanoi People's Council for the 2026–2031 term.

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Council Phung Thi Hong Ha emphasized that this is the first session of the Hanoi People's Council following the elections of the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, marking the beginning of a new tenure for the capital's elected body amid rising development demands.

She stated that, together with the whole country, Hanoi successfully organized the elections in a proactive, systematic, democratic, lawful, safe and substantive manner. The process was conducted seriously, synchronously and rigorously, demonstrating political responsibility, discipline and organizational capacity of the city's political system.

As a result, voter turnout reached a very high 99.57%. The city elected all 32 National Assembly deputies and 125 city-level People's Council deputies, while 3,160 commune-level deputies were also elected, ensuring proper structure and standards, with no re-elections required.

These outcomes reflect strengthened public trust, expectations and confidence of voters and residents in the Party, the State and elected bodies.

That trust is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. Each elected representative must truly serve as a voice of the people, reflecting their will and aspirations, grounded in reality and capable of making major decisions with integrity, intelligence and dedication.

"On behalf of the presidium, I warmly congratulate all deputies elected to the 17th Hanoi People's Council for the 2026–2031 term," Ha stated.

She added that the first session aims to fulfill legal requirements while establishing the organizational foundation, working spirit and operational methods of the council for the new term.

This session marks the beginning of the 2026–2031 term of the local state authority, responsible for deciding key issues and promoting innovation in development thinking, governance and public service quality.

As Hanoi faces new development demands: rapid yet sustainable growth, modernization while preserving identity and inclusive, humane progress, the role of the People's Council must be reflected in vision, capability, representation and decisive action.

In that spirit, the first session holds special importance, laying the groundwork for the council's initial decisions in the new term.

At this session, the Hanoi People's Council will consider and decide on several key matters that set the tone for the entire term.

First, the council will carry out personnel work within its authority, electing leadership positions of the People's Council and People's Committee and conducting other matters in accordance with the law.

This is a critical task to consolidate the city's governance apparatus for the 2026–2031 term, ensuring it operates smoothly, effectively and efficiently.

More importantly, the new administration must function cohesively, act decisively, better serve the public and meet the capital's development needs.

Second, the council will review the Hanoi master plan with a 100-year vision.

This strategic document will define the city's development model, spatial structure, growth dynamics and long-term identity.

It goes beyond urban space, transport and infrastructure, addressing how Hanoi will develop, identify new growth poles and drivers and balance modernization with its rich cultural heritage.

The Hanoi People's Committee has incorporated input from competent authorities, experts, scientists, voters and residents. The council will continue to deliberate carefully and scientifically to refine the plan before submission to higher authorities.

Third, the council will consider key issues related to socio-economic development, finance and medium-term public investment for the 2026–2030 period.

These decisions will shape Hanoi's development over the next five years, serving as the basis for implementing major objectives set by central and city resolutions.

They aim not only to ensure growth and balance but also to enhance quality, competitiveness, modern governance, infrastructure, digital and green transformation and human resource development.

These policies will help Hanoi grow not only bigger but better, more sustainable and more livable.

Fourth, the council will review adjustments and additions to mechanisms and policies, decentralization measures and management tools across several sectors.

This is essential in the current context, as many emerging challenges require appropriate institutional frameworks, strong mechanisms, effective governance tools and proactive actions at all levels.

Strengthening decentralization will improve state management efficiency, unlock resources, encourage innovation and enhance accountability while shortening the gap between policy and implementation.

Fifth, the council will adopt a plan for regular sessions in 2026 and internal regulations for the 17th term.

These foundational measures aim to improve the quality of council sessions toward greater substance, democracy, professionalism and effectiveness.

They will also reinforce the council's role as a responsible and practical democratic forum.

The 2026–2031 term begins amid new opportunities and challenges, requiring the council to continue strong innovation in thinking, operations and decision-making capacity.

A strong People's Council is measured not by the number of resolutions passed, but by the depth of debate, the quality of oversight, the feasibility of decisions and responsiveness to public concerns.

The Hanoi People's Council must become a center of collective intelligence, representing the people's will, safeguarding legitimate interests, translating Party policies into actionable decisions, opening new development opportunities and reinforcing public trust through tangible results.

"Inheriting past achievements, with the leadership of the Hanoi Party Committee, the dedication of council deputies and the support of the people, I believe the 17th Hanoi People's Council will uphold unity, responsibility, integrity, intelligence and action, meeting the expectations of the Party, government and people," Ha emphasized.

124 deputies of the 17th Hanoi People's Council

Reporting at the session, Tran The Cuong, member of the Standing Board of the Hanoi Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council, stated that the elections were conducted seriously, in compliance with regulations and achieved comprehensive success.

The city issued more than 200 guidance documents, established all necessary subcommittees and support teams and set up 126 election committees at the commune level.

Hanoi organized 31 constituencies for city-level deputies and 831 for commune-level elections, with 4,098 polling stations serving over 6 million voters.

The nomination and campaigning processes were carried out systematically and lawfully, with hundreds of voter meetings held to allow candidates to present their action plans.

Communication efforts were strengthened, including digital platforms, ensuring voters had transparent and accessible information.

Election day on March 15, 2026, was conducted safely and solemnly across all polling stations, with strong public participation. Voter turnout reached 99.57%.

All 31 constituencies elected the full 125 city-level deputies, meeting structural and quality requirements. At the commune level, 828 out of 831 constituencies completed elections without any violations requiring re-voting.

Cuong affirmed that despite Hanoi's large scale, the election was a complete success thanks to close leadership, coordinated implementation and public consensus.

No complaints were received regarding election results within the prescribed period.

Of the 125 elected individuals, one case was not confirmed due to a job change and voluntary withdrawal, resulting in 124 officially recognized deputies eligible to serve.

The Standing Vice Chairman extended congratulations to the 124 deputies and expressed confidence in their ability to meet public expectations.

Strong reform under the motto: Flexible – Effective – Close to people – For people

In his directive remarks, Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc stated that the first session carries significant responsibilities, both immediate and strategic, for the capital's development.

He emphasized that Hanoi is actively implementing action programs aligned with the 14th National Party Congress and the 18th Hanoi Party Congress, guided by four strategic axes and the three pillars of institutions, planning and a new development model under Politburo Resolution No. 02.

"In 2026, Hanoi must seize opportunities, leverage its potential, mobilize all resources, overcome challenges and strive for economic growth of at least 11%, maintaining this momentum in subsequent terms," Ngoc said.

He stressed that Resolution No. 02 is a historically significant political foundation and a launchpad for Hanoi's breakthrough development, while also placing major responsibilities on the People's Council to quickly translate central policies into effective decisions with long-term impact.

He outlined key requirements for the council's operations in the 2026–2031 term.

First, the council must elect key leadership positions and judicial jurors to ensure the governance system operates effectively from April 1, 2026.

Second, the new leadership must be united, capable, professional, proactive and decisive, creating strong institutional frameworks and ensuring high-quality, lawful and practical decisions.

Third, the council must innovate leadership methods under the motto "Flexible – Effective – Close to people – For people," focusing on rapid implementation of Resolution No. 02 and the revised Capital Law.

Fourth, the People's Committee must shift from an administrative management to a development-oriented, service-focused approach, strengthening discipline, integrity and governance effectiveness.

Fifth, priority must be given to building a capable civil service, with transparent, data-driven evaluation based on performance indicators, ensuring the principle of "right person, right job" and replacing underperforming officials.

This approach aims to prevent inefficiencies and maintain the city's development momentum.