Vietnam's President To Lam Steps in as Communist Party Chief Amid Health Concerns for Nguyen Phu Trong

Vietnam's President To Lam has assumed the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is focusing on an unspecified health treatment. The move follows months of speculation about Trong's health. Lam, a key figure in the anti-corruption campaign, is seen as a likely successor when Trong's term ends in 2026.

Vietnam's President To Lam has taken over the responsibilities of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is currently focusing on an unspecified health treatment, the party announced on Thursday. The move follows months of speculation regarding Trong's weakening health. The party has not disclosed specifics about his treatment.

Lam, a former head of internal security, is seen as a top candidate to succeed Trong when his term concludes in 2026. The powerful Politburo has assigned Lam to oversee the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat, according to a statement from the party's central office. In Vietnam's Communist-ruled system, the party chief holds the most influential position, despite the country having no official paramount ruler. Trong, 80, has been in office since 2011.

Since 2017, Trong, a Marxist-Leninist ideologue, has initiated a China-style anti-corruption campaign known as the 'blazing furnace.' However, he has been visibly fragile in recent months and has missed several high-level meetings. In a surprising gesture, the Politburo awarded Trong with the Gold Star medal, Vietnam's highest honor for public officials, on Thursday.

Lam was elected president in May following the resignation of several top leaders amid unspecified allegations of wrongdoing, part of Trong's extensive anti-graft campaign. Lam, a central figure in this crackdown, vowed to continue the fight against corruption after his election. Vietnam's main stock market rose by 0.5% following the announcement. A senior Western diplomat based in Hanoi commented on Lam's expanded authority, saying it could be good for stability but noted that its impact on economic, foreign, and domestic policies remains to be seen.

(With inputs from agencies.)