In a significant political development, Vietnamese President To Lam has been officially confirmed as the new chief of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This announcement comes after the passing of his predecessor on July 19.
Lam will now hold the powerful position of general secretary of the Communist Party, marking a pivotal moment in Vietnamese politics. It remains to be seen whether Lam will continue in his role as president concurrently.
The previous general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, had been a dominant figure in Vietnamese politics since assuming the party chief position in 2011. Trong, known for his strong ideological stance and anti-corruption efforts, was re-elected for a third term as general secretary in 2021.
President To Lam brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served over four decades in the Ministry of Public Security before being appointed as minister in 2016. During his tenure as Vietnam's top security official, Lam played a key role in leading Trong's extensive anti-corruption campaign.
In a notable turn of events, Lam assumed the presidency in May following the resignation of his predecessor, who stepped down amidst the anti-graft campaign. Lam's elevation to the position of general secretary underscores the continuity and evolution of leadership within the Communist Party of Vietnam.
