Nguyen Phu Trong, the ruling Communist Party chief of Vietnam, passed away on Friday at the age of 80. Trong held the nation’s most powerful position for 13 years.
Cause Of Death
Trong died in the early afternoon due to old age and serious illness, according to a statement on the Communist Party’s website. The nature of his illness was not specified. The statement noted that despite extensive medical treatment from a team of top doctors and experts, Trong’s health deteriorated.
Succession And Leadership
President To Lam assumed Trong’s duties on Thursday as the party announced that the ageing leader needed to focus on his medical treatment. The party will need to decide whether Lam will continue as acting party general secretary until the current term ends after the next Congress in 2026, or if a new candidate will be elected before then.
Political Career And Influence
Nguyen Phu Trong was the most powerful figure in Vietnam as the party general secretary, a position he held since 2011. He secured a third term in 2021 after a rule limiting party chiefs to two terms was waived, underscoring his significant political influence. Educated in the Soviet Union, Trong was known as a Marxist-Leninist ideologue.
Anti-Corruption Campaign
Trong initiated a major anti-corruption drive in 2017, dubbed the “blazing furnace.” This campaign targeted corruption within the government, leading to investigations and the ousting of hundreds of officials, including cabinet ministers, a parliament chairman, and two state presidents.
Future Leadership
To Lam, a former chief of the internal security agency and a key figure in the anti-corruption campaign, was elected president in May after his predecessor resigned amid accusations of unspecified wrongdoing. The party must now decide on the next steps for its leadership.
Nguyen Phu Trong’s death marks the end of an era in Vietnam’s political landscape. His tenure was characterized by strong anti-corruption efforts and significant political influence. The Communist Party now faces the challenge of selecting a successor who can maintain stability and continue the nation’s development.
With Inputs from Reuters
