THE LAW ON PREVENTION AND COMBAT OF CORRUPTION AND WASTE IN THE ARRANGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PUBLIC ASSETS: PRACTICE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Abstract: The article examines the legal framework for preventing and combating corruption and waste in the arrangement and disposal of redundant public assets following the merger and streamlining of the administrative apparatus in accordance with Resolution 18-NQ/TW of 25 October 2017 of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (term XII) and relevant guiding documents of 2025 - 2026. Employing historical-logical, analytical-synthetic, comparative legal, and empirical survey methods (combining quantitative and qualitative data from official reports of the Ministry of Finance, Government Inspectorate, and State Audit Office for 2025 - 2026), the study clarifies the current legal system, including the Law on Management and Use of Public Assets 2017 (consolidated version 97/VBHN-VPQH of 20 25), the 2018 Anti-Corruption Law as amended by Law No. 132/2025/QH15 (effective 1 July 2026), the Law on Thrift and Anti-Waste No. 110/2025/QH15, and Official Telegram No. 19/ CĐ-TTg of 26 February 2026. The research evaluates implementation practices at local levels following the rearrangement of district- and commune-level administrative units, identifying four systemic limitations: (i) the “multi-door” mechanism causing overlapping authority and delays; (ii) inadequate transparency monitoring due to the lack of digital technology and meaningful public participation; (iii) non-synchronized sanctions on the accountability of heads of agencies; and (iv) the absence of specific legal provisions for public assets in the context of apparatus streamlining. Based on theoretical and practical analysis, the article proposes five synchronized, highly feasible solution groups (clearly identifying responsible entities, specific timelines, resources, monitoring mechanisms, and sanctions) aimed at perfecting the “one-stop” mechanism, applying real-time digital monitoring, strengthening leadership accountability, diversifying disposal methods, and integrating power control into the assessment of streamlining effectiveness. The research enriches the theoretical foundation of public asset management and provides timely, concrete policy recommendations for law-making and improvement to support administrative reform in the 2026 - 2030 period.