Vietnam Communist Party Tightens Regulations on Party Members' Conduct

The Communist Party of Vietnam has issued new regulations, Quy định số 207-QĐ/TW, on prohibited actions for Party members, signed by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm on July 26, 2026. This directive aims to uphold Party discipline, prevent corruption, and enhance public trust by clearly defining what Party members must adhere to and what actions are forbidden. The regulations underscore that members of the Communist Party of Vietnam are "revolutionary soldiers in the vanguard of the working class, the laboring people, and the Vietnamese nation," mandating adherence to the Party's Political Platform, Charter, resolutions, directives, and state laws. Simultaneously, it clarifies that the rules do not restrict the "innovative spirit, the courage to think and act for the common good and national interests." The newly established 19 prohibited actions include speech and actions contrary to Party policies or state laws, non-compliance with Party organizational principles, denial or distortion of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's ideology, leakage of Party or state secrets, dissemination of false information, actions causing political or social unrest, bribery and abuse of power, and violations of public servant ethical codes. Specifically, setting criteria to unfairly benefit certain organizations or individuals in accessing resources, and fostering unequal competition through external interference, are also prohibited. Furthermore, Party members are forbidden from making false declarations regarding their assets and income, seeking promotion or employment through illicit means, evading responsibilities or acting negligently in their duties, and failing to report or address corruption, waste, or misconduct. Activities abroad must also comply with both local laws and Vietnamese legislation. The promulgation of these regulations is interpreted as the Vietnamese Communist Party's effort to maintain the legitimacy of its one-party rule and address issues like corruption and abuse of power that could lead to public dissatisfaction. By strictly regulating the conduct of each Party member, the aim is to enhance the credibility of the entire Party organization and ensure the sustainability of social stability and economic growth.