THE NEW Senator
The implications of Thuong’s death for Vietnam’s political potential, especially in the competition for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s alternative, hinges on who will complete Thuong’s role.
The new president may have previously served a total word as a Politburo member, according to the Party’s rules, which would include Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chair Vuong Dinh Hue, Secretary of State Truong Thi Mai, and Minister of Public Security To Lam.
Trong, who formerly held the position of leader from 2018 to 2021, may regain it, but his health concerns could be a major barrier. Chinh and Hue are improbable to be engaged, as their present jobs hold more energy than the president. The most likely choices are To Lam and Mai, respectively.
Lam does have a powerful interest in the position at 66 because it might allow him to challenge the Party’s age restriction and get a top position in 2026.
He may have doubts about taking on this innovative position, though. His position as minister of public protection is really powerful, especially given the Party’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign. In comparison, the role of the president largely involves royal duties.
Mai is also a practical choice for the place, especially in the eyes of those vying for the title of general secretary. According to her somewhat weakened power base, it is unlikely that she will be able to use the presidency to contend for the Party’s top position in 2026.
Another way for the Party to overturn its own rules and propose a different lawmaker who has not yet served a full name as a Politburo member but who might contribute to program balance. In this situation, possible candidates for the Ho Chi Minh City Party include Nguyen Van Nen, the party’s secretary, or Phan Van Giang, the defense secretary.
The current contenders to take over Trong and their respective camps does not agree with this choice because they do not want to see the introduction of a fresh and worthwhile contender that could possibly impede their own dreams for the Party’s top position in 2026.