Resolution gives nod to DPM switch

At its second extraordinary session in Hanoi last week, the National Assembly (NA) adopted a resolution approving Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s proposal on the appointment of two deputy prime ministers.

Tran Hong Ha (3rd, L) and Tran Luu Quang (2nd, R) officially become new Deputy Prime Ministers for the 2021-2026 tenure after the resolution receives “yes” votes from all of the 481 participating legislators. (Photo: VNA)

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha and Secretary of the Party Committee of the northern city of Haiphong Tran Luu Quang have been elected to the new posts for the current term.

The resolution, which received approval from all 481 participating legislators, equivalent to 96.68 per cent of the total number of NA deputies, became valid after being signed off by the NA.

Thus, the Vietnamese government is now led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the four deputy prime ministers of Le Minh Khai, Le Van Thanh, Tran Hong Ha, and Tran Luu Quang.

DPM Ha was born in 1963 in the central province of Ha Tinh. Between 2008 and 2016, he acted as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, as well as Deputy Secretary for the People’s Committee of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. He was an alternative member of the 11th Party Central Committee, a member of the Party Central Committee in the 12th and 13th tenures, and a deputy to the 14th NA. He was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in 2016.

“I will make great efforts to together with other government members to support the prime minister and the government to accomplish their tasks,” DPM Ha said.

Commenting on the draft amendments to the Law on Land currently compiled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, he said that in his new position, he will continue to “bring into play all possible resources and create momentum to solve hurdles in land management and usage for the sustainable development of the country”.

DPM Quang was born in 1967 in the southern province of Tay Ninh. The Politburo assigned him as Secretary of Tay Ninh Party Committee for the 2010-2015 term. At the 10th Tay Ninh Party Congress (2015-2020 term), he was re-elected for this post, and as Chairman of Tay Ninh People’s Council.

In February 2019, the Politburo appointed Quang as Standing Deputy Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. He was an alternative member of the 11th Party Central Committee, and a member of the Party Central Committee in the 12th and 13th terms. He has served as Secretary of Haiphong Party Committee since April 2021 and is head of the delegation of the city’s 15th tenure NA deputies. He is a deputy to the 14th and 15th legislature.

The new leaders replaced their predecessors, Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dam, who were relieved from their posts at the same NA meeting last week. Minh and Dam were also removed from the Party Central Committee at an extraordinary meeting a few days previously, while Minh was also dismissed from the Politburo.