Laos: the country and its political system – Outside Views Global

Summary

This video offers a brief overview of Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Since 1975, it has been a one-party Marxist-Leninist state governed by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The current head of state is Tonglun, and the head of government is Dr. Pankam V. Pavan, both since March 2021. Laos ranks 139th on the Human Development Index. The country has a history of tensions with Western partners over human rights, particularly freedom of assembly, expression, and press. Laos has ratified seven of the nine key human rights conventions with some legal reservations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The video series aims to provide an overview of countries, including important data on their political systems.
• 🇱🇦 The focus of this video is on Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
• 🏛️ Laos has been a people's republic since 1975.
• 👤 The head of state is Tonglun, who has been in office since March 22, 2021.
• 👥 The head of government is Dr. Pankam V. Pavan, also in office since March 22, 2021.
• 🌍 Laos ranks 139th on the Human Development Index.
• 🚩 Laos is a one-party state that describes itself as Marxist-Leninist, with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party as the center of power since 1975.
• 🏛️ The most important party bodies in Laos are the Politburo and the Central Committee.
• 📅 Laos holds party congresses and elections for the National Assembly and provincial parliaments every five years.
• 📜 There are differences between Laos and Western partners regarding human rights, particularly in terms of freedom of assembly, expression, and press.

Q & A

What is the official name of Laos?

The official name of Laos is the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

What type of government does Laos have?

Laos has a people's republic form of government, which has been in place since 1975.

Who is the current head of state of Laos?

The current head of state of Laos is Tonglun, who has held the position since March 22nd, 2021.

Who is the head of government in Laos?

Dr. Pan Kam V. Pavan is the head of government in Laos, also since March 22nd, 2021.

Who is the foreign minister of Laos?

Salumshai Komasit is the foreign minister of Laos, appointed on March 22nd, 2021.

What is Laos' ranking on the Human Development Index?

Laos ranks 139th on the Human Development Index.

How does Laos describe its political ideology?

Laos describes itself as a one-party state with a Marxist-Leninist political ideology.

What is the central political party in Laos?

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party has been the center of power in Laos since 1975.

What are the most important party bodies in Laos?

The Politburo and the Central Committee are the most important party bodies in Laos.

When do party congresses and elections in Laos take place?

Party congresses and elections for the National Assembly, as well as provincial parliaments, are held every five years in Laos.

What is the status of international non-governmental organizations in Laos?

International non-governmental organizations must register with the government in Laos and mostly work in the economic and social fields.

How does Laos' stance on human rights compare with Western partners?

There are differences of opinion between Laos and Western partners on human rights, particularly regarding freedom of assembly, expression, and the press.

Which human rights conventions has Laos ratified?

Laos has ratified seven of the nine most important human rights conventions and has guaranteed most of the rights they call for in the constitution, albeit with some legal reservations.