Hundreds of delegates from Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party will meet on Monday under tight security for a congress that will choose the country’s top leader and chart economic priorities for the rest of the decade.
The week-long event, held every five years under opaque rules, could cement and possibly expand power for the party’s current general secretary, To Lam, who has launched sweeping bureaucratic reforms and become Vietnam’s public face overseas.
About 1,600 delegates will elect a 200-person Central Committee, which will then pick up to 17 to 19 Politburo members, from whom the general secretary is chosen.
Lam is seeking to retain his role and possibly take on the state presidency, officials briefed on the matter said. The congress is expected to confirm him as general secretary, though the decision on the presidency may come later.
After the congress, the Politburo will nominate the heads of state, government and Parliament, with parliamentary elections to follow.
Risk-Taking Leader
Lam, 68, ascended to the party’s top post after the death of Nguyen Phu Trong in July 2024. Widely viewed as a risk-taker, he launched the most significant administrative reform in decades, cutting tens of thousands of jobs to speed up decision-making. While the impact is still being assessed, approval timelines for some investment projects have shortened.
The acceleration is partly linked to the scaling back of a sweeping anti-corruption drive launched under Trong, which at times paralysed government decision-making and led to the downfall of senior figures, including two presidents.
Lam has also launched economic reforms and infrastructure projects, winning favour with foreign investors while raising concerns about favouritism and waste. In a country that allows no opposition, he has also strengthened security forces and tightened controls over media and dissidents.
Economic Growth, Security Top Next Five-Year Agenda
The congress’ delegates represent 5.6 million party members in a country of 100 million. Under tight security, they will finalise a resolution expected to prioritise security and ambitious growth, targeting at least 10% annually over the next five years, according to a party draft. The document also highlights defence, diplomacy and environmental protection in a “more dangerous” world.
(With input from Reuters)
