Communist Party of Vietnam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Communist Party of Vietnam
Đảng Cộng sản Việt Nam
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| Abbreviation | CPV ĐCS / ĐCSVN |
| Governing body | Central Committee |
| General Secretary | Tô Lâm |
| Executive Secretary | Trần Cẩm Tú |
| Founder | Hồ Chí Minh |
| Founded | 3 February 1930 (95 years, 361 days) |
| Merger of |
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| Split from | Indochinese Communist Party (1945) |
| Headquarters | 1A, Hùng Vương Street, Ba Đình, Hanoi |
| Newspaper | Nhân Dân |
| Student wing | Vietnam National Union of Students |
| Youth wing | Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union |
| Women's wing | Vietnam Women's Union |
| Pioneer organization | Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization |
| Armed wing | Vietnam People's Armed Forces |
| Research office | Central Theoretical Council |
| Membership (2025) |  5,600,000+ |
| Ideology |
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| National affiliation | Vietnamese Fatherland Front |
| International affiliation | IMCWP |
| Colors | Red |
| Anthem | "The Internationale" () |
| National Assembly |
464 / 483
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| Party flag | |
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The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), also known as the Vietnamese Communist Party, is the main political party in Vietnam. It is the only legal party in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh founded the CPV in 1930. The party led North Vietnam from 1954 after the First Indochina War. It then became the ruling party for all of Vietnam in 1975, after the Vietnam War. The CPV guides the government, military, and media in Vietnam. Article 4 of Vietnam's constitution ensures the party's leading role. People in Vietnam often call it simply "the Party" (Đảng).
The CPV played a key role in Vietnam's history. It helped end the old monarchy and later fought for the country's independence. The party fought against the French Union and then against South Vietnam. This was to unite the country under one government. During the Cold War, the CPV was allied with the Soviet Union. After winning the Vietnam War in 1975, the party unified Vietnam in 1976. It created the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The CPV first used a centrally planned economy. Then, in 1986, it started economic changes called Đổi Mới. Today, the party supports a "socialist-oriented market economy" and Ho Chi Minh Thought.
The CPV officially follows Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. However, it has also focused on Vietnamese nationalism. The party now represents the "interests of the entire people," including business owners. In 2006, party members were allowed to start private businesses. The CPV also takes part in international meetings with other communist and workers' parties. In 1988, the CPV became the only political party in Vietnam. It absorbed two smaller parties at that time.
Contents
History of the Communist Party of Vietnam
How the Party Started (1925–1945)
The Communist Party of Vietnam began its journey in 1925. That year, Ho Chi Minh (then known as Nguyen Ai Quoc) created the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League. This group, often called the Youth League, wanted to free Vietnam from French rule. Their main goals were national independence and giving land to farmers. The Youth League prepared people for a fight against the French. The Comintern, an international communist organization, helped fund these early efforts.
In 1928, the Youth League faced challenges and had to go underground. This led to different groups forming. In 1929, some members formed the Communist Party of Indochina. Others created the Communist Party of Annam. A third group, the Communist League of Indochina, also appeared. These groups all aimed for Vietnam's freedom.
On February 3, 1930, Ho Chi Minh brought these groups together. They formed the united Communist Party of Vietnam in British Hong Kong. Later, it was renamed the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP). Even with a small number of members, the ICP became very influential. Many farmers and workers were unhappy with their economic situation. This led to protests, like the May Day demonstrations in Vinh.
The French rulers saw these protests as dangerous. They tried to stop them, leading to many people being harmed or arrested. Despite these difficulties, the party was rebuilt. Lê Hồng Phong and later Hà Huy Tập helped lead it. During the 1930s, the party faced pressure to change some of its views on French rule. Ho Chi Minh also faced criticism and was temporarily removed from leadership.
World War II changed things in Vietnam. When France was taken over by Nazi Germany, French control in Vietnam weakened. Japanese forces then occupied Indochina. This gave the communists a chance to build their support across the country.
Many party members and leaders were arrested during the war. However, new leaders like Trường Chinh, Phạm Văn Đồng, and Võ Nguyên Giáp stepped up. They worked with Ho Chi Minh to lead the party for many years.
Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1941. He formed the Viet Minh, a group focused on Vietnam's independence. The Viet Minh included many different groups who wanted to free Vietnam. It became a strong force against the Japanese occupation. The ICP was a key part of the Viet Minh.
Fighting for Independence (1945–1954)
After the August Revolution in 1945, Ho Chi Minh became the leader of a new government. On September 2, 1945, he declared Vietnam's independence. However, other countries did not immediately recognize his government. He asked American President Harry S. Truman for support, but did not receive a response.
To ease concerns about a communist takeover, the ICP officially dissolved in November 1945. It became the "Institute for Studying Marxism in Indochina." But the party still operated behind the scenes. The First Indochina War against France began in late 1946. The Viet Minh became the main group fighting for independence.
In 1950, Communist China and the Soviet Union recognized the Viet Minh. In 1951, the Indochinese Communist Party was officially re-established. It was renamed the Worker's Party of Vietnam (WPV). The Soviet Union encouraged land reforms in Vietnam. The war against France lasted until July 1954. It ended with a major Viet Minh victory at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
After the war, Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel. The communists governed the northern part of the country. Party leaders then focused on guiding society using Marxist ideas. They promoted leaders who understood the struggles of workers and farmers.
The Vietnam War (1955–1975)
At its second congress, the Communist Party decided to split into three parties. There would be one for Vietnam, one for Laos, and one for Cambodia. However, the Vietnamese party kept the right to oversee the others. The Worker's Party of Vietnam (WPV) focused on building socialism in North Vietnam. It also aimed to "liberate" South Vietnam.
In the south, the United States supported an anti-communist state, the Republic of Vietnam. In 1960, North Vietnam created the National Liberation Front of Southern Vietnam (NLF) in the south. American soldiers often called the NLF the Viet Cong.
The Vietnam War (also called the Second Indochina War) was a major conflict. It involved North Vietnam and the NLF against the United States, South Vietnam, and their allies. North Vietnam received support from China and the Soviet Union. The war lasted from 1960 to 1975. It also affected Laos and Cambodia.
The Worker's Party of Vietnam had a branch in the south called the People's Revolutionary Party of South Vietnam. This party led the NLF. After American troops left and South Vietnam fell in 1975, Vietnam was unified. On July 2, 1976, it became the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. At a party meeting in December 1976, the Worker's Party of Vietnam merged with the People's Revolutionary Party of South Vietnam. They formed the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) again.
Leading Vietnam (1976–Present)
In 1976, the fourth party congress brought together over 1,000 delegates. They represented more than 1.5 million party members. This was about three percent of Vietnam's population. The congress approved new plans for building socialism. It also made changes to the party's rules.
The party aimed to build a strong socialist country within 20 years. However, the economic goals for the first five-year plan were not met. This led to discussions about economic reform. At the fifth party congress in 1982, General Secretary Lê Duẩn said the party had two goals. These were to build socialism and protect Vietnam from outside threats.
By 1985, it was clear that economic plans were not working well. Vietnam was one of the poorest countries in the world. Many educated people came from wealthier families. Their skills were important for the country. But the party's policies sometimes made it hard to use these skills.
Lê Duẩn passed away in July 1986. Later that year, a meeting led to more significant reforms. This new reform movement was led by Trường Chinh. At the sixth party congress, Nguyễn Văn Linh became the new general secretary. This was a win for the party's reform-minded leaders.
The new leadership launched the Đổi Mới reforms. These reforms created the framework for a "socialist-oriented market economy." Along with economic changes, there was also more freedom of expression. The Chinese Communist Party praised Vietnam's reforms.
At the seventh party congress, Nguyễn Văn Linh retired. Đỗ Mười became general secretary. Võ Văn Kiệt became prime minister, and Lê Đức Anh became president. Over the years, new leaders continued to guide the party.
Nông Đức Mạnh became general secretary in 2001. He held this position until 2011. Then, Nguyễn Phú Trọng took over. Nguyễn Phú Trọng was re-elected for a third term in 2021. He became a very powerful leader in Vietnam. Nguyễn Phú Trọng passed away on July 19, 2024.
After Nguyễn Phú Trọng's death, Tô Lâm became the Acting General Secretary. On August 3, 2024, Tô Lâm was unanimously elected as the 13th General Secretary of the party. This happened during an important meeting of the 13th National Congress.
How the Party Works (Organization)
National Congress: The Party's Big Meeting
The National Congress is the highest decision-making body of the CPV. It meets once every five years. Delegates at the Congress decide the party's direction and government policies. They elect the Central Committee and choose leaders for the party. After making decisions, the Congress closes until the next meeting.
Central Committee: Guiding the Party
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The Central Committee is a very powerful part of the CPV. It makes important decisions when the National Congress is not meeting. It can give some of its powers to the Secretariat and the Politburo.
After the Vietnam War in 1975, leaders tried to centralize power. But later, under Nguyễn Văn Linh, the party started to share power more. This meant local party leaders gained more influence. The Central Committee's power grew significantly because of these changes. For example, it once voted to remove a General Secretary, even when the Politburo wanted him to stay. The Central Committee elects the Politburo after each Party Congress.
General Secretary: The Top Leader
The General Secretary is the highest position in the Communist Party. The Central Committee elects this leader. A General Secretary can serve for two five-year terms. This person leads the work of the Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat. They are also in charge of defense, security, and foreign affairs. The General Secretary also leads the Central Military Commission, which handles military matters.
Since 1992, power has been shared more among the General Secretary, the President, and the Prime Minister.
Politburo: Making Key Decisions
The Politburo is the top group in the Communist Party between Central Committee meetings. These meetings happen twice a year. The Politburo carries out policies approved by the Party Congress or the Central Committee. Its job is to make sure these decisions are put into action across the country. It also handles organization and personnel matters.
The Central Committee can overrule the Politburo. This happened in 2001 when the Central Committee removed a General Secretary. Members of the Politburo are elected and ranked by the Central Committee. Decisions within the Politburo are made by the group working together.
Secretariat: Managing Daily Work
The Secretariat is led by the General Secretary. It makes decisions as a team. The Central Committee elects its members and decides its size. The Secretariat handles organizational issues and carries out the Central Committee's requests. It also oversees the work of the party's departments. The Secretariat checks if resolutions and directives are being followed. It helps prepare for Politburo meetings.
Central Military Commission: Guiding the Military
The Politburo appoints the Central Military Commission. This group includes military members. It reports to the Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat. The party's General Secretary leads this commission. The Minister of National Defence is the deputy leader. The commission sets guidelines for military and defense policies. It leads all parts of the military.
Central Inspection Commission: Ensuring Fairness
The Central Inspection Commission is the party's group for fighting corruption. It also handles discipline for members and general wrongdoing. It is the only party group that can punish or condemn members. The Central Committee elects the commission and its leaders. Local inspection groups need approval from higher-level commissions to investigate cases.
What the Party Believes (Ideology)
Vietnam is a socialist republic with one main party, the Communist Party. The CPV follows Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. These ideas guide the party and the government. According to Vietnam's Constitution, the country is moving towards socialism.
Marxism–Leninism came to Vietnam in the 1920s and 1930s. Vietnamese culture has been shaped by patriotism and these ideas. Ho Chi Minh's ideas were organized and named "Ho Chi Minh Thought" in 1989. In 1991, both Ho Chi Minh Thought and Marxism–Leninism became the official ideologies. Many believe Ho Chi Minh Thought helps the party introduce new ideas while staying true to its socialist goals.
Building a Socialist Society
Characters of a new social regime were formed in Ho Chi Minh's thoughts through, first of all, the method of transforming features of old regime into its contrary facets. It was the dialectical thinking method. According to this method, the process of formulating the people's democratic regime in reality was considered the process of wiping out comprehensively fundamental features of colonial-feudal regime.
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Ho Chi Minh believed that a society must first achieve national freedom. Then it must build a people's democratic system. This means getting rid of old colonial and feudal ways. Only then can Vietnam move towards socialism.
A people's democratic system is not yet socialist. For example, private ownership still exists. In a socialist system, ownership is different. Ho Chi Minh saw land distribution in his early rule as an example of people's democracy.
The economy in a people's democratic system has different types of ownership. It includes state ownership, cooperatives, and private businesses. These different types mean the economy is not fully socialist. In a socialist-oriented market economy, the state-owned businesses are the most important. This helps keep the economy socialist.
The party's goals in 1951 said that Vietnam's revolution was a new kind of democratic revolution. It would become a socialist revolution without a civil war. Ho Chi Minh believed Vietnam entered the transition to socialism in 1954. But he still saw it as a "democratic regime where people are the masters." To reach full socialism, the state-owned part of the economy must grow. The party believes this transition is a long and complex process.
General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng explained this transition. He said that socialist ideas compete with non-socialist ideas, like capitalism. He noted that this is a difficult struggle. Success depends on good policies and strong party leadership. The goal is to make socialist ideas stronger and more lasting.
Why Socialism is Important
There has never been a scientific and revolutionary theory than Marxism–Leninism. It is a 'comprehensively and logically tight theory which gives people a total world view' and a theory that not only aims at 'understanding the world, but also changing it'. ... Capitalism will certainly be replaced by socialism, because that is the law of human history, which no one can deny.
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The Communist Party believes that socialism is the best way to organize society. According to Marxism–Leninism, socialism is a step towards pure communism. To build a socialist society, communists must study and plan carefully. The party believes socialism frees people from unfair treatment and exploitation. It helps everyone develop fully.
The party holds onto the main ideas of socialism. These ideas describe a better and more advanced society:
- Socialism's highest goal is to free people from all forms of exploitation. It aims for everyone to develop completely.
- Modern production methods create the tools for socialism.
- Socialism gradually ends private property and capitalism. It changes how goods are produced.
- Socialism creates new ways of working and new types of workers. These workers have high discipline and productivity.
- Socialism means that people are rewarded based on what they contribute.
- State socialism is a new type of democracy. It reflects the working class and represents the people's interests.
- In a socialist society, differences between groups are resolved. Nationalism is replaced by international cooperation.
Socialist-Oriented Market Economy
The "socialist-oriented market economy" is a unique system in Vietnam. It is not fully socialist or capitalist. It is "socialist-oriented." The Communist Party believes a market economy does not have to be capitalist.
According to the party, this economy uses market rules but is guided by socialist principles. These principles cover ownership, organization, and how wealth is shared. The goal is a prosperous nation with democracy, fairness, and civilization. In this system, different types of ownership exist. All economic sectors follow the law and are treated equally. They work together and compete fairly.
Nguyễn Phú Trọng explained that the state-owned economy is very important. Cooperative businesses are also strong. Private businesses are a driving force. Many types of ownership, like joint-stock companies, are encouraged. The state and cooperative economies form a strong base for the country. How wealth is shared ensures fairness and encourages growth. It is based on work results, economic efficiency, and other contributions. Social security and welfare systems also help distribute wealth. The government guides the economy through laws, plans, and policies.
Unlike capitalist countries, this system does not wait for high economic development to achieve social fairness. It also does not sacrifice fairness for economic growth. Policies are made to improve people's lives.
Role of Marxism
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Classic Marxist writings are still important for the Communist Party's ideas. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is seen as a timeless work. The party believes its value is in explaining how workers gain freedom. It provides the basic ideas the party believes in.
Tô Huy Rứa, a Politburo member, said that the Manifesto helps Vietnam in today's global world. He believes its ideas offer a valuable way of looking at the world. Trần Bạch Đằng noted that Vietnam's reality after the revolution was more complex than imagined. He said Marxism came to Vietnam through simplified interpretations. He felt that reading Marx's original works showed things were not so simple.
Friends Around the World (Party-to-party relations)
The CPV decided to improve its foreign policy at its 10th National Party Congress. As of 2010, the party's foreign relations committee had ties with 222 political parties in 115 countries. The party says this helps Vietnam's development and modernization.
The CPV has relationships with both communist and non-communist parties. It builds strong ties with other communist parties based on friendship and support. They share ideas about building socialism and party development. The CPV actively participates in international meetings of communist and workers' parties.
The CPV values its relationships with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Cambodian People's Party. This is because all three parties share a history from the Indochinese Communist Party. It also has good relations with the Chinese Communist Party, the Communist Party of Cuba, and the Workers' Party of Korea. The CPV sends delegations to congresses of many communist parties worldwide.
The CPV also has friendly relations with left-wing parties in Latin America. For example, a CPV delegation attended a meeting in El Salvador in June 2016.
Electoral History
The Communist Party of Vietnam participates in elections for the National Assembly. It has consistently been the leading party.
National Assembly Elections
| Election | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | Position | Outcome |
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| 1960 | As part of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front |
421 / 421
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421 |
1st |
Sole legal party | |
| 1964 |
366 / 366
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 55 |
 1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1971 |
420 / 420
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54 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1975 |
424 / 424
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4 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1976 |
492 / 492
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68 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1981 |
496 / 496
|
4 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1987 |
496 / 496
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|
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1992 |
362 / 395
|
134 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 1997 |
384 / 450
|
11 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 2002 |
447 / 498
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63 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 2007 |
450 / 493
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3 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 2011 |
454 / 500
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4 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 2016 |
473 / 494
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19 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
| 2021 |
485 / 499
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12 |
1st |
Sole legal party | ||
See also
In Spanish: Partido Comunista de Vietnam para niños
- Human rights in Vietnam
- Politics of Vietnam
- National Assembly (Vietnam)
