Vietnam: To Lam is New General Secretary of Communist Party
The 67-year-old politician is also the country's president, succeeding Nguyen Phu Trong as party leader
To Lam is the new general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, succeeding Nguyen Phu Trong, who died on July 19.
To Lam has been appointed by the Party Central Committee as the most powerful figure in the Vietnamese hierarchy, while the country’s president plays a more ceremonial role. To Lam, 67, had already temporarily taken over the party’s leadership on July 18, given the health of its predecessor.
To Lam explained that he would continue the policies of his predecessor and that there would be no change in foreign policy in particular. Efforts will focus on socio-economic growth and fighting corruption.
“In the near future, the work against corruption will be carried out decisively. I consider myself lucky because during my time at the Ministry of Police, I gained a lot of experience in managing the anti-corruption campaign,” he explained.
To Lam is also the president of Vietnam and took office on May 22, 2024; it is unclear at this time whether he will retain both positions.
The congratulations came from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. The Chinese leader emphasized the closeness between the two “friendly socialist” countries and the desire to build the China-Vietnamese community by strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations.
