VIETNAMESE YOUTH FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC GAINS, UNCONVINCED NEW

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 002169 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SOCI ECON PINR VM SUBJECT: VIETNAMESE YOUTH FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC GAINS, UNCONVINCED NEW LEADERS WILL TACKLE CORRUPTION REF: A) HANOI 1245; B) HANOI 1580; C) HANOI 771 HANOI 00002169 001.2 OF 002 SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) While Vietnam's official Youth Union (YU) trumpets the new leadership's commitment to tackle corruption, most among Vietnam's young generation are unconvinced, disinterested or even angry. This said, Vietnam's youth are pleased with economic gains and new freedoms brought by decades of reform, especially in recent years. The YU sees itself as an organization empowered to be a representative of all youth, not just its members. As such it may come to play a role in the evolution toward a society with broader political participation. End Summary. A Successful Transition -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On a number of occasions in July, Pol intern met with a high-level member of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union's (YU) Central Committee to discuss Vietnamese youth's reaction to the CPV's 10th Party Congress (Ref A) and the selection of the new GVN leadership (Ref B). After explaining the role of the Congress and the National Assembly (NA),the YU official praised the smooth changeover, which highlights the "high democratic achievements of Vietnam." The selection of Prime Minister (PM) Nguyen Tan Dzung, State President Nguyen Minh Triet and NA Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong brings "experience, youth and openness" to the Government. Noting that business leaders can now apply for CPV membership, he also remarked that for the first time, self-nominated candidates were able to run for CPV Central Committee positions (although none were elected),which reflects a "significant change in mind-set about the role of the Government". "The Party really represents the whole society now," the official added. ¶3. (SBU) In discussions with academic researchers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) Institute for International Relations (IIR) on August 8, an IIR professor echoed similar sentiments and stated that the vast majority of his students views the leadership change and new policies as "positive developments." "Most of the young people support the new leadership because they think the best candidates were selected," he said. Praising the new cabinet members, the professor especially commended the new Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thien Nhan for his plans to overhaul the education system. (Note: Nhan is a former Fulbrighter. End Note.) Nhan's initial public statements indicate that his proposals will focus on combating academic dishonesty and ending "phony grading" practices, which hinder the credibility of Vietnam's higher education system. "We finally see concrete actions by the Government," the IIR professor's research assistant added. Is Vietnam Dealing With Corruption Effectively? -------------- -- ¶4. (SBU) Asked about the youth perspective on the pervasiveness of corruption throughout the country, the YU official surprised us by responding that "corruption is already being dealt with." He pointed to the dismissal of former Minister of Transportation Nguyen Viet Tien by the NA for his involvement in the PMU-18 scandal (Ref C) and asserted that the new PM is determined to continue reforming GVN bureaucratic procedures and has already inaugurated reforms to accomplish that objective. "Regarding everyday corruption, it is normal that some people feel badly," he continued, but the YU believes that action must begin at the Party and State level "before dealing with other strata of society." Nevertheless, the official recognized that "a few YU members" are unsatisfied about the slow pace of reforms. ¶5. (SBU) The IIR professor maintained that the GVN now strongly encourages whistleblowing on corruption cases, many of which have been uncovered and exposed to the public by newspapers. "This is unprecedented," he said, but remained vague about Vietnamese youth's real perception of the effectiveness of these measures. In separate discussions, one Vietnamese student told Pol intern that he feels "very angry" about corruption and does not believe the situation will change significantly in the short term. In informal contacts with Pol intern, well-educated, ambitious Hanoi college students appeared indifferent to political issues. "We do not care very much," they invariably maintained. Instead, their expectations have been focused on continued economic well-being, which the GVN has so far been able to deliver. More Political Participation -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The YU official also explained that YU members played an active role during the Party Congress and submitted various proposals on socio-economic issues, which were approved by the HANOI 00002169 002.2 OF 002 Party. He maintained that the close relationship between the YU and the CPV allows Party policies and resolutions to reflect young people's views. Furthermore, regular meetings between YU and CPV leaders and the annual GVN-sponsored "Youth National Assembly" allow young Vietnamese to "speak out." "There is a high degree of political participation, and the youth have many avenues to express their ideas," the official confidently asserted. Likewise, the IIR professor's research assistant stated that IIR students often have "extensive policy debates," which contribute to policymaking. While he acknowledged that special ties between the IIR and the MFA make these discussions significantly more substantive, he insisted that "in Vietnam, every student can contribute to policy." The Youth Have High Expectations... -------------- ¶7. (SBU) On the subject of economic development, the YU official solemnly stated that "Vietnamese youth expect a lot" from the new PM. He also asserted that, while the GVN's "Doi Moi" (renovation) policy has improved the livelihood of Vietnamese people, YU surveys show that youth throughout the country still want more economic opportunities, a more stable labor environment and a more efficient government. With the "current momentum of the fight against corruption," new CPV and GVN leaders must enhance the effectiveness of Vietnam's institutions and address "all aspirations of the youth" by continuing Doi Moi. For instance, since the NA now has more responsibilities, the YU expects the body to exercise a "better control" on all State agencies. For example, at the National Assembly's public hearings on the appointments of the new GVN cabinet members, there were criticisms of the "incomplete" answers of some of the candidates, the YU official said. The IIR professor stressed that since younger Vietnamese have not experienced life before Doi Moi, they will not endure hardship as easily as their parents; therefore, the GVN must continue to fulfill their economic expectations. "The new generation is mainly interested in globalization and will not challenge the new leaders for now," the professor said. ...And Is Optimistic About The Future -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Overall, YU members across the country are hopeful that the GVN will successfully speed up economic reforms. (Note: With 5.6 million members, the organization is the country's largest youth association and claims to represent all Vietnamese youth. End Note.) Explaining that the Party has laid down a road map for further development, the YU official insisted that new leaders will continue Vietnam's integration into the world economy. "With the determination of the new PM, we will be able to achieve our objectives," he confidently asserted. The IIR professor's research assistant was equally hopeful and restated that the new officials understand young people's perspectives and expectations. "Changes will continue the right way...the future is promising," the assistant said. Comment -------------- ¶9. (SBU) Despite over-the-top praises sung by those linked to the GVN, it is clear that the average Vietnamese young adult does not view the GVN and CPV leadership changes in as positive a light. Indeed, with corruption still rampant throughout society and channels for political participation severely limited, students are understandably cynical about domestic politics and the government's campaign against corruption. They share vague hopes for political reforms in the future, however, and we assess that interest in politics will increase when students come to believe they can make a difference. To the extent that organizations like the YU see themselves as empowered to comment as "representatives" of a group of citizens, they may serve as stepping stones to wider debate. The same is true for other official representative groups, such as the Women's Union. End Comment. MARINE