Vietnam’s Communist Party has officially named To Lam as the country’s top leader, following the passing of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, two weeks ago. The party announced the appointment at a press conference on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024.
In his first remarks as general secretary, Lam emphasized the urgency of his promotion, stating it was a result of “an urgent need to ensure the leadership of the party.” He also expressed gratitude for the “huge honor with glorious responsibility before the party and the people.”
Lam’s tenure as general secretary is expected to be marked by a strong focus on anti-corruption efforts. “I will continue to speed up anti-corruption… regardless of who the person is,” Lam declared.
The general secretary position is considered the most powerful within Vietnam’s leadership structure, overshadowing the president’s largely ceremonial role. It remains unclear whether Lam will retain his position as president or relinquish it.
Lam’s rise to the top job comes after a long career within the public security ministry, a department known for its role in monitoring dissent and surveillance of activists within Vietnam, a one-party state.
His appointment follows the death of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away in Hanoi due to “old age and serious illness.” Lam was informally handed the reins of power immediately following Trong’s death, and his formal succession now marks a significant shift in Vietnam’s political landscape.
