Vietnam’s National Assembly Appoints New President
On Monday, Vietnam’s National Assembly made a significant political move by approving Luong Cuong as the new president, thereby reinstating a longstanding power-sharing framework among the nation’s four high-ranking leaders. This structure has been pivotal in shaping the Communist Party’s governance approach over the decades.
The announcement reassured many regarding the future of the country’s leadership, particularly concerning To Lam, the current top leader who had previously raised questions about potentially combining the roles of general secretary of the Communist Party and president after his ascent in August.
Vietnam’s political landscape is traditionally defined by a “four pillar” system, designed to prevent the emergence of a single dominant figure. This system divides crucial decision-making authority among the general secretary, president, prime minister, and the head of the National Assembly.
Typically, the president is tasked with overseeing the military, often coming from its ranks. Notably, from 2018 to 2021, Nguyen Phu Trong, who served as general secretary from 2011 until his passing in 2024, also held the presidency. To Lam, who was appointed president in May and initially managed both positions, played a significant role in spearheading an anti-corruption campaign that resulted in the ousting of several high-profile officials, including two presidents and three deputy prime ministers.
As the National Party Congress approaches in 2026, the clarity surrounding the consolidation of power remains uncertain. Analysts speculate whether Lam will attempt to retain both positions to strengthen his influence further.
During the assembly’s opening session, Lam commended his Communist Party colleagues for reaching a consensus during a time marked by “complex global and regional developments, with unprecedented and unpredictable challenges that threaten the task of building and defending our nation.” He expressed deep sorrow over the passing of comrade general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, highlighting the loss felt by the people and military throughout the nation.
In his introductory address, Cuong, the newly appointed president, vowed to “resolutely and persistently safeguard national independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Vietnam.”
Political analysts have noted that returning to the established four-pillar structure could play a crucial role in minimizing internal strife as a new generation of leaders aims to realize Vietnam’s longstanding aspirations of becoming a prosperous nation with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a more prominent position on the global stage.
- Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, remarked, “This approach could help alleviate factional tensions by ensuring that the military retains a significant role in the country’s leadership.”
- He further added, “This move is likely to stabilize the political system following a period of considerable upheaval.”
