US EditionVietnam's Top Leader To Lam Wins State Presidency, Gets China-Style Mandate
Lam won 99% support as lawmakers backed his drive to streamline government and push double-digit growth.
- On Tuesday, Vietnam's National Assembly elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as state president, consolidating the country's top party and state roles. All 495 deputies present endorsed the nomination for his five-year mandate.
- The rare concentration of power mirrors China, where Xi Jinping holds both top posts. While Lam briefly held both roles in 2024 following General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's death, this is his first official five-year double mandate.
- Lam vowed to pursue a 'new growth model' targeting at least 10% annual growth, emphasizing science and digital transformation. The export-reliant nation faces inflationary pressures and US tariff uncertainty, with shipments to the US comprising around 30% of GDP.
- Le Hong Hiep, senior fellow at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, said the consolidation could enable Vietnam to "formulate and implement policies more quickly and effectively," though it risks increased authoritarianism.
- Parliament is scheduled to select a new prime minister later Tuesday, while the next central bank governor is expected Wednesday. Scholars note the double-hatting will not signal changes in Vietnam's 'Bamboo Diplomacy' despite power concentration concerns.
15 Articles
15 Articles
To Lam's Ascent: Consolidating Power and Positioning Vietnam for Growth
To Lam's Ascent: Consolidating Power and Positioning Vietnam for Growth Vietnam has elected Communist Party General Secretary To Lam as president in a move that breaks from the country's tradition of shared leadership roles. This consolidation of power echoes models in China and Laos, and allows Lam significant political latitude. His presidency aims to foster growth and stability but also faces potential risks associated with such concentrated …
Mid Florida Newspapers
Madison CourierVietnam elects Communist Party chief as president, echoing China's power structure
Vietnam has unanimously elected Communist Party leader To Lam as president, consolidating his control over both party and state. At 69, Lam aims to maintain stability and boost livelihoods. Analysts warn his rise could risk moving faster than the country’s…
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