Arya News - In a significant change in senior state leadership, lawmakers elected former Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone as President of the National Assembly, succeeding Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, who passed away in August.
VIENTIANE – The 2nd Ordinary Session of the National Assembly (NA)’s 10th legislature opened on Monday, with lawmakers electing a new prime minister and NA president and preparing to make decisions concerning issues of national importance.
Acting NA President, Mrs Sounthone Xayachak, chaired the opening of the 2nd Ordinary Session, attended by Party Secretary General and President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, Party and State leaders, former senior leaders, and Assembly members representing all Lao provinces.
In a significant change in senior state leadership, lawmakers elected former Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone as President of the National Assembly, succeeding Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, who passed away in August.
Lawmakers also elected former Standing Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith as Prime Minister, succeeding Dr Sonexay.
Shortly after the election, Prime Minister Saleumxay addressed the session, chaired by Dr Sonexay.
Highlighting economic performance, the PM said the economy grew by 4.8 percent in the first nine months of 2026, up from 4.6 percent in the same period last year.
Growth was supported by manufacturing, private investment, electricity, wholesale and retail operations, and tourism-related accommodation and food services.
Foreign tourist arrivals increased by 7 percent compared with the same period last year, while the start of wind power generation helped strengthen the electricity sector.
But agriculture continues to face difficulties. Floods, pest outbreaks and African swine fever have affected production, while fuel price volatility has increased production and transport costs.
The government expects the economy to grow by 5.1 percent for the full year, below the 5.5 percent target set by the National Assembly.
Lawmakers are debating the government’s report on the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan, State Budget Plan and Monetary Plan for 2026.
The biannual session is scheduled to continue until October 21 and will also consider the development agenda for 2027, giving members the opportunity to discuss and outline development priorities for the coming year.
The session will also consider eight draft laws, including one new law and seven amendments to existing legislation.
The new legislation comprises a Law on Deposit Protection, while the seven amended laws relate to cybercrime, alcoholic beverage control, land traffic, officers of the Lao People’s Army, the Lao People’s Public Security Forces, civil aviation, and the government.
The draft Law on Deposit Protection is among the notable items being considered by lawmakers, as it would establish a legal framework for protecting eligible bank deposits.
The National Assembly will also examine reports from the State Audit Organisation, State Inspection Authority, Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office, Supreme People’s Court, and the National Assembly itself.
These reports cover the implementation of their 2026 work plans and directions for 2027. The National Assembly will also consider the State Audit Organisation’s report on the audit of the final accounts for the 2025 State Budget Plan.
Drug control will also feature on the agenda. Lawmakers will consider the government’s report on drugs and chemical substances subject to control, including a list of prohibited drugs.
The session is also an opportunity for National Assembly members to put questions to the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, and other relevant parties.