Party leaders urged to step up political responsibility

Newly elected Party Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith has called for all Party leaders to strengthen their political responsibility and act as role models of leadership in order to fulfill the duties assigned to them by the nation.
Although Laos has accomplished many of the socio-economic development goals over the past five years, challenges still lie ahead, requiring strong political commitment to overcome economic difficulties.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Eleventh Party Congress on Friday, Mr Thongloun said all delegates need to play an active role in implementing Party policies in an innovative fashion, while encouraging all forces in society to develop the nation over the next five years.
Members of the Party Central Committee should maintain their revolutionary spirit and develop their leadership capabilities to oversee the implementation of all policies approved at the congress.
Mr Thongloun, who is the Prime Minister of Laos, was elected as the new secretary general of the Party Central Committee – the top post in the Party.
The 11th Party Congress praised accomplishments in national defence and development under the leadership of the 10th Party Central Committee. 
Despite the complex changes taking place in the world and the Covid 19 pandemic, Laos has been able to sustain economic growth. However, the new Party leaders must expand their tradition of consensus and enhance their political accountability towards the revolutionary mission and the fate of the nation.
In past decades, Laos has pursued a political direction towards socialism, despite global changes. The nation regards Marxism–Leninism ideology, Kaysone Phomvihane thought, the fine traditions of the Party and the aspirations of all ethnic Lao people as the foundation for formulating Party policies.
Since 1986, Laos has pursued a policy of renovation, strengthening international cooperation while boosting investment and tourism.
This has been aimed at expediting the poverty reduction programme and Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country status in the near future.
Over the past five years, the economy has grown at an annual average rate of 5.8 percent while per capita GDP has also increased.
The Party Congress approved an amendment to the Party’s statue as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of the ruling Party to lead and manage the country during times of complex global change.
The statue is considered as the constitution of the Party and is designed to restore its political direction.
The Party Congress is the most significant political event in Laos, when political and economic reports are presented and approved.
The congress also elected a new Party Central Committee and Politburo members to lead the implementation of the socio-economic development plan over the next five years.
The Party Congress is held every five years, with the previous one taking place in 2016.

BySomsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update January 16, 2021)