DTiNews presents its top 10 political and social events of the year
1. Resolution on self-criticism
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on January 16, 2012, approved a resolution at the 4th plenum of the 11th Party’s Central Committee. The resolution focuses on self-criticism and behaviour by party members and leaders
Party and State officials and delegates at a national conference to implement the resolution
The Politburo and Party Central Committee Secretariat and membership seriously admitted to weakness in Party activities.
2. Opposing Chinese sovereignty violations
Affronts to Vietnamese sovereignty claims were made with the Chinese establishment of Sansha City which had administrative responsibility for both Spratly and Paracel Islands and invitations for international bids for nine lots located on the Vietnamese continental shelf.
30 Chinese fishing boats near the Spratly Islands (China Daily)
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned China’s illegal activities involving the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
3. 40th anniversary of Hanoi Air Defence Victory
The 40th anniversary of the 12-day air defence campaign of the capital against US B52 bomber attacks - nicknamed the ‘Dien Bien Phu of the Skies’ campaign - in 1972 attracted great attention. The Vietnamese defence forces downed 34 B52s.
B52 aircraft shot down over Hanoi on December 27, 1972
4. Controversial Haiphong land withdrawal case raises Land Law revisions
The withdrawal of Doan Van Vuon’s shrimp lagoon in Haiphong City’s Tien Lang District which sparked a confrontation leaving four policemen and two district officials injured raised concerns over land revocation. After the intervention of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the ultimately the prime minister, the local authorities were instructed on measures to resolve the issue.
Mr. Vuong’s land plot
The land withdrawal was cancelled and a number of local officials were suspended, dismissed or waiting to face prosecution. Results of a recent inspection showed that nearly 30% of land complaint cases were due to mistakes by local authorities. The government proposed revisions to the Land Law to the National Assembly.
5. Senior leaders to face votes of confidence
The National Assembly passed a resolution which would see 49 of the country’s top leaders face annual votes of confidence. The move is part of attempts to increase the power of the National Assembly and encourage senior leaders to feel more compelled to resign in serious cases.
6. Stronger action against corruption
The fifth meeting of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee in May 2012 decided to establish the National Anti-Corruption Steering Committee. The committee will run under Politburo and be led by the party general secretary, replacing the prime minister.
7. Consecutive earthquakes hit central region hydropower plant
Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant’s reservoir was blamed for consecutive earthquakes in Quang Nam Province’s Bac Tra My District. More than 100 earthquakes have occurred in the area over the past year, with the highest measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale. The issue has concerned local people although authorities claim the hydropower dam is safe.
The government has instructed the hydropower reservoir to remain empty and invited international experts to survey and assess the situation.
Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant’s reservoir was blamed for consecutive earthquakes in Quang Nam Province’s Bac Tra My District
8. Son La hydropower plant completed
Construction of Son La Hydropower Plant was finished on December 23 after seven years, three years earlier than the schedule. The 10 billion kWh per year plant is the biggest hydropower producer in South East Asia.
Son La Hydropower Plant
9. Bureaucratic policies criticised
The Ministry of Public Security’s Circular 27 which stipulated new identification card contents which would include parental names faced public opposition due to its invasion of privacy. The model was piloted in some districts of Hanoi. Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong admitted his mistakes in appraising the circular.
Government Decree 71 which fines owners of second-hand vehicles who lack proper registration documents raised the public’s controversy.
A new identification card with parental names
10. Serious economic violations
The arrest of former ACB bank chairman Nguyen Duc Kien, for illegal business activities and misappropriation of assets along with the prosecution of other banking officials raised questions over the management of the Vietnamese banking system.
Mr. Duong Chi Dung, Former Chairman of Vinalines, was officially arrested on September 4, 2012 after being on the run for four months. Dung was subject to an international arrest warrant since May 19 following his alleged economic crimes as Vinalines’ chairman.
Former Chairman of Vinalines Duong Chi Dung
