Vietnam Appoints To Lam as New General Secretary Amid Anticorruption Campaign

Vietnam Appoints To Lam as New General Secretary

President To Lam of Vietnam, renowned for spearheading an extensive anticorruption initiative, has been officially named the country’s next Communist Party general secretary, as announced by the government’s Politburo on Saturday. The position of general secretary is the highest authority in Vietnam’s political framework, which is characterized by collective leadership.

Mr. Lam’s appointment comes after his temporary elevation to the role in July, following the passing of Nguyen Phu Trong, who had held the position since 2011. This significant appointment allows Mr. Lam to solidify his influence within the party as it gears up for a pivotal congress in 2026, where the country’s leadership for the next five years will be determined.

“He may be seen as the frontrunner in the race for 2026, but he will need to navigate a specific process,” noted Carl Thayer, a noted Vietnam expert and emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales in Canberra, Australia. Thayer further emphasized the potential for opposition within the party, stating, “There is considerable room for dissent against him.”

Mr. Lam’s ascent through the party ranks has been notably swift. He was appointed president in May after previously serving as the Minister of Public Security. In that capacity, Mr. Lam played a pivotal role in advancing Mr. Trong’s anticorruption campaign, colloquially referred to as the “blazing furnace.” This campaign targeted pervasive corruption within the Vietnamese government, resulting in numerous officials facing imprisonment and prompting others to resign from their posts.

As president, Mr. Lam has committed to continuing this rigorous anticorruption effort. However, this initiative has not been without its critics; business leaders and international investors in Vietnam have expressed concerns that the campaign has stifled new projects and contributed to economic stagnation.