Vietnam's National Assembly moves forward with draft resolution to protect innovative officials

On 9 July, the Standing Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a draft resolution establishing special legal mechanisms for handling violations related to state and private economic activities, as well as science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. The draft, presented by Public Security Minister Lương Tam Quang, aims to create a legal framework that safeguards proactive, creative officials by limiting criminal liability, allowing non‑prosecution or exemption in certain risk‑related cases, and setting corresponding disciplinary procedures.

The proposal, organized into three chapters and 13 articles, includes measures such as not prosecuting or excluding criminal responsibility for officials facing risks in scientific and technological projects, postponing or waiving prosecution under specific conditions, and ensuring disciplined actions are applied where appropriate. Vice‑Chairperson Nguyễn Hồng Diên stressed the need to refine the draft’s scope, avoid duplication with existing laws, and ensure constitutional and procedural feasibility. The resolution is slated for consideration at a special session of the National Assembly in August 2026, alongside discussion of a revised oil‑and‑gas law.