In a sweeping move reminiscent of a bureaucratic earthquake, one of Vietnam’s leading state television broadcasters has gone dark. This change is part of an ambitious reform initiative that aims to trim the public workforce by a staggering 20% across the nation.
The Communist Party, with its eyes set firmly on lessening red tape and tightening the fiscal belt, is on a mission to streamline the political machinery. This overhaul doesn’t come lightly; it involves dismantling or restructuring eight ministries and various government agencies. Senior officials have even dubbed these efforts as nothing less than “a revolution.”
Alas, VTC—Vietnam’s second most beloved TV station—broadcast its final shows yesterday, sending its 13 channels into a permanent silence. In an emotional farewell message, the hosts shared that VTC has “come to the end of its 20-year mission to serve the community and society.” It’s hard not to feel a tug on the heartstrings as we reflect on two decades of stories, laughter, and connection coming to a close.
Sadly, VTC isn’t the only casualty in this wave of changes. Four other broadcasters, including VOVTV, VNATV, Quoc Hoi TV, and Nhan Dan TV, have also been forced to pull the plug on their operations. Meanwhile, the government has tasked VTV, the country’s largest and most-watched broadcaster, with consolidating the functions of these outlets, essentially shouldering their responsibilities and, some might say, their legacies as well.
It’s worth noting that media in Vietnam exists under the watchful eye of the state, with independent agencies left out in the cold. The upcoming reforms, projected to receive the final nod from parliament next month, aim to slice the number of government ministries from 30 down to 22. This significant downsizing extends to crucial sectors including the civil service, police, military, and various state-owned enterprises.
Pham Thi Thanh Tra, the Minister of Internal Affairs, has been vocal about the transformative nature of these reforms. She proposes this is “a revolution not only to streamline the apparatus but also to change mindsets, vision, and awareness towards a better future,” as reported by state media. It’s a bold statement that invites us to wonder: is this really the pathway to progress, or merely a restructuring of the status quo?
These cuts come just five months after President To Lam rose to power as Vietnam’s most influential leader, following the unfortunate passing of his predecessor. With such significant changes on the horizon, one can’t help but ponder how this will shape the political and social landscape of Vietnam. In a country so rich in history and resilience, what does the future hold as it braces itself for the fallout from these monumental reforms?
Report By Axadle
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
