On May 22, Vietnam’s parliament elected police minister To Lam as its leader, according to analysts, in a move that serves as a” stepping stone” for Lam to seek the position of chief executive of the ruling Communist Party, the country’s top position.
Lam’s vote came after Vietnam’s National Assembly appointed former assistant Tran Thanh Guy as its new chairman on Monday, potentially putting an end to three of Vietnam’s top five leaders ‘ two-month high political turbulence that resulted in their dismissal despite unspecified misconduct.
Following a secret ballot about him, the only candidate for the position, politicians unanimously approved Lam’s vote in accordance with standard procedure in the firmly controlled one-party position. That came after the Communist Party last year recommended him.
As head of the common safety government, Lam, 66, has played a significant role in a comprehensive anti-graft strategy, known as “blazing furnace,” which is intended to root out widespread problem but has also been seen by critics as a way to support opponents in political infighting.
That in turn is hurting the country’s appeal to international investors, who have largely reduced their assets assets in recent months in part due to poor political news. It is also paralysing the public leadership, with billions of dollars in international support and public finances unused.
After his vote, Lam told legislators he had “resolutely and consistently continue the fight against corruption”.
The condition president holds a mostly symbolic role but is one of the country’s best four social positions, the therefore- called “four pillars”. The other three positions are that of the party’s head, prime minister, and presenter of the legislature.
According to Carl Thayer, professor professor and expert on Vietnam at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, political bickering is anticipated to temporarily end after Lam’s poll.
However, the important challenge is still to be won as Nguyen Phu Trong’s second five-year term comes to an end in 2026 or sooner if he steps down before his term expires.
” To Lam was use his status as one of the “four pillars” as a stepping stone to be general secretary,” Thayer said in reference to the party chief place.
” With the ascent to the office of president, it becomes obvious that there are more passions for To Lam than pension”, said Florian Feyerabend, the delegate in Vietnam for Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a think tank, noting the place could be a “launch sheet” to get the party chief employment.
Until that important location is filled, Feyerabend expected extended bickering, which he defined as” the modus operandi of the system”.
According to express press, the legislature on Wednesday also voted to remove Lam from his position as police minister, a move that was not initially planned.
According to an online magazine citing a government decision, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has appointed Deputy Minister of Public Security Tran Quoc To, 62, to lead the department.