Party Delegates Support Lam’s Nomination
Lam, 67, is a career security officer.
He temporarily took on the party chief’s duties on July 18, a day before Trong’s death, as his health deteriorated.
Lam Not To Change Vietnam’s Foreign Policy
The Vietnamese President told delegates that he would promote Trong’s legacy and make no changes to the Southeast Asian nation’s foreign policy.
He will focus on achieving Vietnam’s socio-economic development goals and continue a campaign against graft.
Work To Fight Corruption Will Continue
To Lam said at a Press conference, “In the coming time, the work on anti-corruption will be continued fiercely.”
He added that he feels fortunate for getting experience in handling anti-graft campaign while working at the police ministry.
Vietnam Favoured By MNCs
Multinational companies have for a long time, favoured Vietnam, a major destination for manufacturing investment, for its political stability.
It has however experienced major turbulence in recent months.
Officials said was fuelled by the anti-graft effort.
Leadership
The nation does not formally have a paramount leader.
The head of the party, however, has a more prominent role than others, after Trong beefed up its power during his 13-year tenure.
Lam had long wanted to become party chief.
Experts called the presidency a stepping stone for the top job.
Will Lam Retain Both Top Jobs?
It is not clear whether the Vietnamese President would retain both jobs until the legislative session ends in 2026.
There is no clarity yet on whether a new president would be chosen.
Lam was elected President in May after leading the sweeping campaign of high-profile investigations against corruption as police minister.
He replaced Vo Van Thuong, who had been in the job about a year when he quit amid accusations of unspecified wrongdoing.
Officials and diplomats said the party had discussed possibly naming a new president so that Lam could focus on the party chief job.
Discussions may still be under way, one diplomat said on Saturday.
Lam Will Become More Powerful If He Retains Both Jobs
If Lam retains both jobs, he may boost his powers and possibly adopt a more autocratic leadership style, officials said.
This would be similar to that of Xi Jinping, who is China’s party chief and state president.
That would be a change for Vietnam, which, unlike its far larger neighbour, has engaged in more collective decision-making, with leaders subject to multiple checks.
It would not, however, be unprecedented.
Trong Held Both Jobs For Nearly Three Years
Trong held both top jobs for nearly three years until April 2021 after the death of a former president.
“In case the plenum ends without naming any new state president to replace Lam, it is a signal of a new chapter for Vietnam,” Giang said.
“This practice can then become a norm, not just until 2026, but even after that.”
President Xi Jinping congratulated Lam on his new role, the official Xinhua news agency said.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
