Vietnam's President Takes Over Communist Party Duties Amid Leader's Health Concerns

Vietnam's President To Lam has assumed the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is focusing on an unspecified health treatment. To Lam's appointment was announced by the party's central office on state media. Trong has been in the powerful position since 2011 and is due to complete his third term in 2026 but has been in poor health for months.

Vietnam's President, To Lam, has taken over the responsibilities of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, as the ailing leader undergoes unspecified health treatment, according to the party's announcement on Thursday.

The decision was made by the party's powerful Politburo which assigned To Lam to preside over the work of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat, the party's central office confirmed through state media.

Though Vietnam does not have an official paramount ruler, the position of party chief is the most powerful. Nguyen Phu Trong, 80, has held this role since 2011 and was re-elected for a third term, scheduled to end in 2026. However, due to his deteriorating health, he has missed several high-profile meetings. To Lam, who became president in May following a series of top-level resignations amid an anti-graft campaign, now steps into this critical role.

(With inputs from agencies.)