By Bill Hayton
BBC News, Hanoi
Vietnam's National Assembly is due to begin cross-examining government ministers about allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
Ten ministers, the head of the central bank and the chief government inspector will face questions over four days.
The most eagerly-awaited appearance is by Transport Minister Dao Dinh Binh.
Officials working for a government road-building unit are alleged to have received large bribes and gambled the money on European football matches.
Details are also emerging of corruption at the state-owned Vietnam Airlines.
This is not the first time the National Assembly has cross-examined ministers, but it is the first time that it has been expected to ask difficult questions.
The sessions will be short - they are timetabled for just one hour each - but a senior official of the assembly has hinted they may run longer.
The hearings will be broadcast live on radio and television and for many people they will be as gripping as the World Cup.
Expectations are high, perhaps too high, for an assembly which is only just beginning to assert its independence.
(BBC)
<< Back