Vietnam's Tô Lâm Becomes New Communist Party Chief

Vietnam has officially appointed President To Lam as the new chief of the Communist Party, following the recent death of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. In his inaugural address, Lam pledged to uphold Trong's legacy, maintain the country’s foreign policy, and prioritize socioeconomic development while intensifying the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. "The work on anticorruption will be continued fiercely," Lam stated, drawing on his extensive experience from his previous role as police minister, where he led significant anti-graft investigations. Lam, who was elected president in May, took on the responsibilities of party chief on July 18, just a day before Trong's passing. His predecessor, Vo Van Thuong, resigned after a brief tenure amid allegations of misconduct. Lam emphasized the urgency of ensuring stable leadership within the party during this transitional period, although it remains uncertain whether he will hold both positions until the legislative session concludes in 2026 or if a new president will be appointed. Discussions among party officials and diplomats suggest that there may be considerations for appointing a new president, allowing Lam to concentrate on his role as party chief. Observers note that if Lam retains both titles, it could enhance his authority and potentially lead to a more autocratic governance style, reminiscent of China's Xi Jinping. This shift would mark a departure from Vietnam's traditional collective decision-making approach, although it is not without precedent, as Trong held both roles for nearly three years until 2021.