Vietnam's Leadership Transition: The Death of Nguyen Phu Trong

Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam's Communist Party chief, died at 80. Trong, who held power for 13 years, led significant economic growth and an anti-corruption crackdown. His duties are temporarily assigned to President To Lam, with potential consolidation of power under Lam, posing both opportunities and risks for Vietnam.

Nguyen Phu Trong, the ruling Communist Party chief of Vietnam, passed away on Friday at the age of 80. Holding the country's most powerful position for 13 years, Trong oversaw rapid economic growth, a prolonged anti-corruption campaign, and a pragmatic foreign policy. President To Lam has been assigned his duties temporarily, with the potential to consolidate powers if he retains the roles.

The Party announced that Trong died in the early afternoon due to old age and illness, without providing further details. His medical team noted that he received comprehensive treatment from top medical experts and the state.

While Lam assumed Trong's duties last Thursday as the party chief's health declined, a decision is yet to be made on whether Lam will formally take over until the current term ends in 2026 or if a new leader will be elected from within the party ranks. Trong, despite the lack of an official paramount ruler in Vietnam, was considered the most powerful figure since he became party general secretary in 2011.

(With inputs from agencies.)