Party Central Committee member and President of the Vientiane People’s Council, Mr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, reports on the outcomes of the new Council’s inaugural session. --Photo Lao News Agency

Vientiane Council wraps up first session, maps path for governance reform

The Vientiane People’s Council agreed a programme of reform for the next five years (2026-2030), with the inaugural session approving a broad agenda aimed at strengthening governance, tightening oversight, and accelerating socio-economic development in the capital.
The council acknowledged the progress made over the past term in maintaining stability and improving governance, while tasking authorities to step up implementation and coordination to meet new development targets.
Oversight and accountability were high on the agenda, with the approval of five-year plans for inspection and auditing bodies. Members called for stricter monitoring of government spending and use of state assets, alongside efforts to resolve discrepancies uncovered in past audits of state bodies and recover monies still owed to the state.
The council also set legislative and judicial priorities for the next five years, endorsing a roadmap for drafting and revising sub-laws. Judicial bodies were urged to improve the speed, accuracy and legal soundness of case handling to build public confidence in the justice system.
The council’s inaugural meeting ran from April 1-3, with the closing session on Friday chaired by Party Central Committee member and President of the Vientiane People’s Council, Mr Athsaphangthong Siphandone. Also present were Party and State leaders and National Assembly members representing Vientiane.
The meeting endorsed the election and qualifications of members of the council’s 5th legislature, marking the completion of the electoral process.
It also approved leadership appointments across the council, the Vientiane Administration Committee, judicial bodies, and state inspection agencies, as well as the organisational structure of the capital’s administration body.
A highlight of the meeting was the adoption of Vientiane’s five-year socio-economic development and budget plans.
Public interaction was another item on the agenda, with council members noting that 18 complaints were submitted via a hotline and passed to the relevant sectors for action.
In addition, the council expressed concern over recent storms, calling for practical assistance and recovery efforts in affected communities.
The meeting closed with a call for all sectors to move quickly in implementing the adopted resolutions, with leaders stressing the importance of delivering tangible results for the capital and its people.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest UpdateApril 6, 2026)