Army General Luong Cuong Steps Up as Vietnam's New President

Vietnam's parliament elected General Luong Cuong as the new state president, succeeding To Lam. Cuong's election is seen as a stabilizing move following leadership changes amid an anti-corruption campaign. The presidency holds symbolic power, while the party chief remains the most influential position.

Vietnam's political landscape saw a major shift as General Luong Cuong was elected the new state president, a decision expected to usher in stability following a period of significant political upheaval. Cuong's appointment comes after a series of leadership changes that unsettled the nation.

In an almost unanimous decision, all 440 attending deputies supported Cuong's election on Monday, solidifying his stature as the country's fifth-highest-ranking official. His roles in the Communist Party's secretariat and Politburo also highlight his growing influence in Vietnamese politics.

Although the state president role is largely ceremonial, it remains crucial for engaging with international leaders. The former president, To Lam, also served as party chief after the death of Nguyen Phu Trong, indicating potential party power-sharing. As Vietnam navigates foreign investments and local governance, stability remains a priority until the next leadership reshuffle in 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)