Siena:The Lao Front for National Development (LFND) has urged decisive action from the government and lawmakers to address ongoing socio-economic challenges during the 2nd Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 10th Legislature. The address highlighted the need for enforceable measures to tackle these issues.
According to Lao News Agency, the statement delivered by Mr. Laopaosong Navongxay, a member of the Party Central Committee and Vice President of the LFND Executive Committee, critiqued current socio-economic conditions. Key issues included persistent inflation, high living costs, illicit activities, and lapses in regulatory enforcement, despite acknowledging government efforts to stabilize the Lao kip.
The LFND emphasized that while efforts have been made to stabilize the currency, ordinary citizens, particularly those with low incomes, continue to struggle with high prices for essential goods, utilities, fuel, and cooking gas. The Front called for stricter enforcement of price-control measures and initiatives to create jobs to alleviate financial pressures on households.
In terms of legislation, the LFND suggested that the current process could be improved by involving the public more directly in consultations and stakeholder engagement before laws are enacted. It noted that public awareness campaigns often have limited reach, leading to implementation challenges.
The LFND also expressed concerns about the oversight of mining projects and concession agreements, stressing the need for rigorous monitoring of Resolution No. 34 of the National Assembly regarding rural development and poverty alleviation.
Public anxiety over illegal online scams and sophisticated drug trafficking networks remains high, and the LFND has called for more aggressive law enforcement against unauthorized entertainment venues, prostitution rings, and digital criminal syndicates.
Infrastructure, healthcare, and education were also addressed, with lawmakers urged to accelerate road repairs in areas affected by natural disasters and tackle severe shortages of medical personnel and equipment in remote areas. The report highlighted an alarming rise in school dropouts and called for improved teacher welfare and ethical standards for medical professionals.
The LFND pointed to growing public distrust in the judicial process, citing perceived unfairness and lack of transparency in lower-level courts.
Regarding foreign labour and business regulations, the LFND warned about the increasing presence of unlicensed foreign nationals in sectors reserved for Lao citizens and urged authorities to enforce domestic laws. It also called for severe penalties for violations of vehicle weight limits.
Concluding the address, Mr. Laopaosong urged the National Assembly to enhance coordination with the LFND, including dedicated budgets for oversight, to bolster public trust and ensure legislative accountability.
