Party inspection, supervision, and discipline in the first half of the 13th National Party Congress term

ASSOC. PROF., DR. LE VAN CUONG
Party Building Institute,
Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics

In the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, the Party’s inspection, supervision, and discipline continued to promote the successes achieved during the 12th National Party Congress with high determination and great efforts, leaving remarkable imprints and contributing to preventing and repelling deteriorations in political ideology, ethics, and lifestyle, as well as manifestations of “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” among certain Party cadres and members. These efforts also served to bolster the trust and commitment of Party members, cadres, and the public in the Party’s leadership.

Firstly, Party committees, organizations, and inspection committees at all levels have focused on effectively executing and organizing the study, research, and thorough implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and the Party Congresses at all levels in the operations of agencies and units. Building upon this foundation, the Party’s resolution promptly translated into an action program carrying out the inspection work of Party committees and inspection committees at all levels with an emphasis on innovation and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline. This has further contributed to the prevention of political ideological, ethical, and behavioral erosion among a portion of Party cadres and members, while also enhancing the fight and prevention against corruption, negative practices, wastefulness, and bureaucracy.

Following the 13th National Party Congress, the Central Committee introduced, amended, or supplemented regulations on concretizing the Party Charter and Congress Resolution as well as on Party inspection, supervision, and discipline. These include: Regulation No. 22-QD/TW, dated July 28, 2021, on Party inspection, supervision, and discipline; Regulation No. 24-QD/TW, dated July 30, 2021, on the implementation of the Party Charter; Regulation No. 37-QD/TW, issued on October 25, 2021, on actions prohibited for Party members; Regulation No. 69-QD/TW on the discipline of Party organizations and Party members for violations, superseding Regulation No. 07-QDi/TW of the 12th Politburo, dated August 28, 2018, on the discipline of Party organizations for violations, and Regulation No. 102-QD/TW of the 12th Politburo, dated November 15, 2017, on the discipline of Party members for violations; Regulation No. 41-QD/TW, issued by the Politburo on November 3, 2021, addressing the dismissal and resignation of cadres; Notice of Conclusion No. 20-TB/TW, issued by the Politburo on September 8, 2022, outlining the policy of assigning jobs to cadres under the management of the Politburo and the Secretariat following disciplinary actions...

Based on the directives of the Party Central Committee and the Politburo, the Secretariat continues to revise, supplement, and promulgate significant documents on Party inspection, supervision, and discipline, such as Decision No. 89-QD/TW issued by the Secretariat on December 1, 2022, detailing the procedures for inspection, supervision, and enforcement of Party discipline, along with the settlement of denunciations and complaints related to Party discipline implemented by committees at provincial and similar levels, extending down to the grassroots level. The Central Inspection Commission has directly issued instructions to facilitate the execution of Party inspection and supervision, creating favorable conditions for Party committees, Party organizations, and inspection committees at all levels to perform tasks as stipulated in Decision No. 354-QD/UBKTTW issued in 2021 on procedures for inspection, supervision, and enforcement of Party discipline, as well as Instruction No. 05-HD/UBKTTW on the implementation of specific provisions in Regulation No. 69-QD/TW, enacted by the Politburo on July 6, 2022, concerning the discipline of Party organizations and Party members for violations, and so on.

These actions serve as an indispensable political and legal framework for the realization of the 13th National Party Congress’s resolutions on Party inspection, supervision, and discipline, ensuring consistent application throughout the Party. Moreover, the ongoing efforts to construct and refine Party regulations regarding Party inspection, supervision, and discipline also contribute to enhancing the Party’s leadership and governance strategies in this new era.

Secondly, the leadership, direction, and guidance from party committees, party organizations, and inspection committees at all levels with respect to Party inspection, supervision, and discipline have grown notably more proactive and timelier. The dissemination of information and dissemination work on Party inspection, supervision, and discipline have been reinforced and renovated with the active participation of the Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations, and the people, as well as press and media agencies. Party committees, party organizations, and inspection committees at all levels, from the central to the local levels, have placed a significant focus on promoting systematic and extensive dissemination regarding Party inspection, supervision, and discipline. This approach has led to an increased awareness of and responsibility among party committees, party organizations, cadres, party members, and the public regarding Party inspection, supervision, and discipline. Media coverage of the results of inspections, supervision, and disciplinary actions, particularly those related to cases of corruption and negative practices, has generated positive social impact and garnered the approval of Party cadres, members, and people from various backgrounds recently. In many complex, sensitive, cases of public-interest, Party inspection, supervision, and discipline have been addressed openly and with great seriousness, clearly demonstrating the unwavering commitment to the principle of “no forbidden areas, no exceptions, regardless of any individual” in these endeavors.

The monitoring role of the public as well as the press and media is evident in the synchronization of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline, which has brought great efficiency not only to their propagational functions but also to the detection of instances of corruption and negative practices. Simultaneously, this oversight responsibility serves as a crucial foundation for countering and refuting the false narratives concerning Party inspection, supervision, and discipline propagated by hostile and reactionary forces.

Thirdly, Party committees, Party organizations, and inspection committees at all levels have taken a more proactive, synchronized, and comprehensive approach to the work of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline. They have closely coordinated these efforts with the anti-corruption and anti-negative practices initiatives, both within and outside the state sector.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has stated: “Corruption and negative practices are not limited to activities within the state sector; they also thrive with the effective support and complicity of entities operating outside this sector. Nowadays, the collusion between degenerate and corrupt cadres, civil servants, and public employees within the state-owned sectors and those outside has become a common characteristic of criminals committing corruption and negative activities. Therefore, it is necessary to gradually expand efforts to prevent and combat corruption and negative practices beyond the state sector, ensuring that these endeavors can be synchronized and effective”(1).

On the other hand, corruption within the non-state sector often involves close collaboration with the state sector, resulting in disciplinary actions against numerous officials and party members: “Just from the corruption and negative practices that occurred at Viet A Company, many cadres at both central and local levels faced allegations of corruption. As a result, a significant number of Party cadres and members received disciplinary measures and criminal sanctions, involving hundreds of individuals, including high-ranking cadres”(2).

Fourthly, the work of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline has been implemented in accordance with the principles of “fairness, accuracy, and timeliness”. The Central Executive Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and Central Inspection Commission, in accordance with their respective functions, responsibilities, and authority, have taken stringent disciplinary actions against high-ranking cadres under the management of the Politburo and the Secretariat. These actions aim for “thoughtfulness and fairness” so that violators are “wholeheartedly convinced,” which is highly appreciated by Party cadres, members, and the public. The Party’s discipline enforcement motto continues to be rigorously upheld.

Fifthly, the work of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline has been carried out with a sound purpose, aiming to primarily serve as warnings, deterrents, educational tools, and preventive measures. This approach ensures that “deficiencies do not escalate into violations, and violations committed by a single person do not lead to widespread violations”. Additionally, it is essential to emphasize robust inspection and supervision, even within agencies responsible for power control and anti-corruption efforts.

The objective of addressing corruption and negative practices is akin to “curing diseases to save lives.” Disciplining a few can save many, prosecuting a case to warn entire regions, and entire sectors. The primary focus is on emphasizing warning, deterrence, education, and prevention”(3), rather than “digging up dirt on and complicating the issue” for the sake of punishment.

“Agencies tasked with preventing and combating corruption and negative activities are the core force at the forefront of this battle. Therefore, it is vital to concentrate on building and nurturing a team of competent and principled cadres who can effectively fulfill their assigned responsibilities. At the same time, a strong emphasis should be placed on power control and the prevention of corruption and negative practices within these organizations”(4).

Sixthly, there has been a notable focus on training and fostering inspection cadres. Training programs tailored to their positions, coupled with courses for cultivating professionalism for specialized inspection cadres, are being conducted periodically and systematically. These programs incorporate innovative content and curricula aimed at updating knowledge, enhancing practical skills, nurturing professionalism according to ranks and levels, and combining research and experience sharing within localities and units with innovative and effective methods.

Despite the accomplishments mentioned, during the first half of the 13th National Party Congress, the work on Party inspection, supervision, and discipline still carries certain limitations and shortcomings, resulting in concerns such as: “The deterioration of political ideology, ethics, lifestyle, a tendency to shift or evade responsibility, and even a reluctance to take responsibility among a substantial number of Party cadres and members, remains as deeply concerning issues. These matters are becoming increasingly complex and should not be overlooked subjectively”(5).

To promote the achievements, address the limitations and shortcomings, and meet future task requirements, Party committees, Party organizations, and inspection committees at all levels must effectively carry out several tasks and resolutions, as follows:

Firstly, raise awareness and enhance the sense of responsibility of Party committees and organizations at all levels concerning the position and role of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline.

The Party has clearly stated: “Leadership without inspection is not considered real leadership.” Consequently, there needs to be a strong consensus among Party committees, Party organizations, and individual Party cadres and members regarding their responsibilities and awareness of the position and role of inspection and supervision activities, while reinforcing the work of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline to ensure the Party’s consistent integrity and strength, which, in turn, leads the country towards continued development in the new era.

This reinforcement of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline also serves the purpose of dispelling distorted claims by hostile forces, asserting that the strengthening of these activities is aimed at “internal political infighting within the Party”.

Secondly, the execution of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline must be carried out consistently, comprehensively, transparently, democratically, vigilantly, and rigorously, with a primary focus on containment and preventive measures.

The purpose of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline is to promptly remind, rectify, and prevent any behaviors that violate the Party’s regulations and the laws of the State. It is necessary to fight against negative and unexemplary behaviors of Party cadres and members with the primary goal of discipline being “treat the disease to save the person”, which simultaneously demonstrates the Party’s unwavering and strict commitment a” the sole leading force within the political system and throughout society.

When it comes to enforcing discipline within the Party, it’s crucial to fully grasp the perspective of “humaneness, uprightness, benevolence, and compassion,” as in the following statement by the General Secretary: “This is something no one wants to happen; it is indeed very bitter and painful. Nevertheless, in the pursuit of our common cause, for the sake of upholding the strictness of Party discipline, in the name of the profound respect for the State’s rule of law, the purity, strength, and reputation of the Party and the State, and the will of the people, we must resolutely and, in the times ahead, even more vigorously carry it out”(6).

Thirdly, we must continue the effective implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and Conclusion No. 21-KL/TW issued on October 25, 2021, by the Central Committee on promoting the construction and rectification of the Party and the political system; while also resolutely preventing, repelling, and strictly disciplining Party cadres and members who exhibit degradation in political ideology, ethics, lifestyle, and display signs of “self-evolution” and “self-transformation”.

Furthermore, we should persistently adhere to the following directive: “We should never be content with our achievements, nor should we become complacent or rush through these efforts. Instead, we must engage in a regular, continuous, determined, and relentless struggle to prevent and repel corruption and negative practices. Our approach should be characterized by stronger political resolve and more decisive, effective, and drastic actions. This approach will contribute to making our Party and the political system truly clean and robust, thereby further consolidating the trust of the people and aiding in the successful realization of the goals set forth in the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress”(7).

Fourthly, inspection committees at all levels must need to firmly grasp the principle of ‘clearly defining the scope and making precise conclusions’; focus on detecting and preventing violations from afar and early on. When performing their professional duties, it’s essential to take a proactive approach to interrogating and verifying information, and to initiate inspections and supervision when information is available from sources such as the press, public opinion, and people’s denunciations. Party committees and inspection committees at all levels must be more proactive and drastic, avoiding situations where “there is urgency at the top but indifference at lower levels”, and ensuring that they do not “prioritize higher levels while overlooking lower ones”.

Inspection committees at all levels, from central to grassroots, should embrace the following principles: “Party inspection and internal affairs agencies should closely coordinate with the state’s anti-corruption agencies to inspect, supervise, detect, handle in a timely manner and publicize the results of the handling Party organizations, cadres and members who commit violations. There should be regular inspections, reviews, and assessments of the roles and responsibilities of Party committees, Party organizations, authorities, and the leaders of agencies, organizations, and units concerning anti-corruption efforts”(8).

Fifthly, power control needs to be strengthened through Party inspection, supervision, and discipline.

Reality has shown that “power is always at risk of being ‘corrupted.’ Corruption is essentially a ‘birth defect’ of power. Hence, a mechanism for controlling the exercise of power by power and officeholders must be established. This mechanism should adhere to the principle that all power must be rigorously controlled by it, with authority directly tied to responsibility in proportion to its scope; the higher the authority, the greater the responsibility”(9).

It is crucial to intensify the inspection and supervision of the exercise of power, especially by leaders. Such oversight helps proactively detect signs of violations, allowing for prompt corrective measures to uphold what is right and prevent violations from occurring.

Sixthly, we must establish a contingent of inspectors at all levels characterized by both political fortitude and professional expertise. We should also strive to nurture a “culture of inspection” within the Party’s cadre contingent in the inspection sector.

We must stay acutely aware that in the foreseeable future, the degradation of political ideology, ethics, and lifestyle among Party cadres and members may remain a complex issue. Although the Central Committee has consistently issued policies and strategies for building and rectifying the Party in each term, it is an undeniable reality that numerous cases of corruption and negative practices come to light through public exposure by the press and the people, despite local Party organizations and inspection committees failing to uncover them during periodic meeting sessions as well as during regular and themed oversight activities. Hence, it is imperative that the inspection work and the cadre of Party inspection personnel continuously enhance their political fortitude and moral integrity, remaining unwavering in the face of any circumstances, conditions, or pressures to successfully complete the tasks entrusted to them by the Party and the people.

Inspection cadres must consistently engage in the study and enhancement of their political theory, expertise, specialized skills, knowledge, and practical capabilities. Learning is not just a right but a compulsory duty for every Party member, and it must be ingrained into a routine and a regimen. Each inspection cadre should genuinely serve as a shining role model, exemplary in their commitment to study, their dedication to their work, and the quality of their life, thereby setting an inspiring example for the masses to follow.

In the current period, self-learning, self-cultivation, and the practice of revolutionary ethics must evolve into a recurring necessity and a habit deeply ingrained in the consciousness and actions of each Party cadre and member. It is also a sign of moral decline for inspection cadres to show reluctance in their pursuit of knowledge or fail to regularly embrace and update new information and insights, which ultimately result in great difficulty in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Party and the people.

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Received: July 1, 2023; Revised: August 18, 2023; Approved for publication: August 24, 2023.

Endnotes:

(1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9) Nguyen Phu Trong: Resolutely and persistently prevent and combat corruption and negativity, contributing to building an increasingly transparent and strong Party and State, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2023, pp.35, 42, 24, 24-25, 28, 43, 65, 39.

(5) https://vov.vn/chinh-tri/toan-van-phat-bieu-cua-tong-bi-thu-be-mac-hoi-nghi-giua-nhiem-ky-bch-tu-khoa-xiii-post1020739.vov.