Vietnam’s Communist Party Nominates To Lam as President
Thousands of people, including top officials and senior business leaders, have been caught up in Vietnam’s crackdown on graft, led by Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
To Lam Nominated as President
The party’s central committee agreed to the nomination of Comrade To Lam, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, to be elected as President, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Lam, 66, has been the Minister of Public Security since 2016 and is known for his hard line on human rights movements in the country.
His nomination follows the resignation of Vo Van Thuong in March, making him the latest high-profile leader to fall in the anti-corruption drive.
Tran Thanh Man Nominated as Head of National Assembly
Tran Thanh Man, 61, has been nominated as the new head of Vietnam’s National Assembly, becoming one of the country’s four most powerful leaders. He currently serves as the rubber-stamp National Assembly’s deputy chairman.
Man succeeds Vuong Dinh Hue, who stepped down last month due to violations and shortcomings.
Political Upheaval in Vietnam
The recent resignations and appointments have caused political upheaval in Vietnam, with the politburo shrinking from 18 to 12 members. The anti-corruption drive, while popular with the public, has raised concerns about the country’s stability and reputation.
To Lam’s Background and Controversies
To Lam has spent his career within the secretive ministry of public security, known for monitoring dissent and surveillance of activists in the authoritarian state. He has also been deputy head of the steering committee on anti-corruption.
Analysts suggest that Lam has used anti-corruption investigations to eliminate rivals within the politburo, positioning himself as a strong candidate for the position of general secretary.
In a controversial incident in 2021, Lam was filmed enjoying a steak covered in gold leaf at a London restaurant, sparking criticism in Vietnam where many struggle with low incomes.
Lam also heads the steering committee on the Central Highlands, a region known for discontent over land rights and home to various ethnic minority groups.
