People's Council of Hanoi

People's Council of Hanoi. The People's Council of Hanoi is the local legislative body and the highest state authority within the capital city of Vietnam. It operates under the framework of the Constitution of Vietnam and the Law on Organization of Local Government, representing the will and aspirations of the city's residents. The council is responsible for making decisions on key local matters and supervising the implementation of state policies within its jurisdiction.

History

The first incarnation of the council was established following the August Revolution in 1945, which led to the declaration of independence by Hồ Chí Minh. Its early sessions were held in the tumultuous context of the First Indochina War against French colonial forces. Throughout the Vietnam War, the council operated from various locations, often underground, to support the war effort and maintain civil administration. Following the Fall of Saigon and national reunification in 1975, the council's role expanded with the merger of Hà Tây Province and parts of other provinces into the capital's administrative boundary in 2008, significantly increasing its territorial and demographic scope. Key historical figures who have chaired the council include revolutionary leaders like Trần Duy Hưng, who later served as Mayor of Hanoi.

Functions and powers

The council exercises its constitutional mandate to decide on local socio-economic development plans and annual budgets, which are critical for projects like the Hanoi Metro and urban development around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It has the power to issue resolutions on matters of defense, security, and social order in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security. Furthermore, it decides on policies related to land use, environmental protection, and the management of cultural heritage sites such as the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long and the Temple of Literature. The council also supervises the activities of the local judiciary, including the People's Court of Hanoi and the People's Procuracy of Hanoi.

Organizational structure

The council is led by a Chairman, currently Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn, and several Vice Chairpersons, who preside over its sessions. Its work is organized through a Standing Committee and various specialized committees, such as those for Legal Affairs, Economy and Budget, and Social and Cultural Affairs. These committees review draft resolutions and oversee the implementation of laws in sectors like education at Vietnam National University, Hanoi and healthcare at Bạch Mai Hospital. The administrative apparatus is supported by a dedicated Office, which coordinates activities with central bodies like the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Government of Vietnam.

Election and composition

Council delegates are elected for five-year terms by citizens residing in Hanoi through a direct, secret ballot system governed by the National Election Council. The current 16th tenure (2021-2026) comprises 98 delegates, with the vast majority being members of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which is the leading force in the political system. The remaining delegates are non-partisan representatives from various social organizations, including the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. Electoral constituencies are based on the city's administrative divisions, including districts like Ba Đình District and Đống Đa District.

Relationship with the People's Committee

The People's Council holds a superior supervisory role over the People's Committee of Hanoi, which is the local executive body. The council elects the Chairman and members of the People's Committee, as seen with the election of Mayor Trần Sỹ Thanh. It reviews and approves reports submitted by the committee on topics ranging from traffic infrastructure to the management of Nội Bài International Airport. The council can question members of the People's Committee during its sessions and has the authority to vote no-confidence or dismiss officials for underperformance, ensuring accountability in the administration of the capital.

Notable sessions and resolutions

Notable sessions often coincide with key national events, such as the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The council has passed landmark resolutions on major infrastructure, including the approval of master plans for the Hanoi Railway Station redevelopment and the construction of the Nhật Tân Bridge. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, it issued urgent resolutions on social distancing measures and economic relief packages for affected businesses in areas like the Old Quarter. Other significant resolutions have focused on environmental initiatives for the Red River basin and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage like Ca trù and water puppetry at Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre. Category:Government of Hanoi Category:Legislatures of Vietnamese provinces