Vietnam's Communist Party Leader Nguyen Phu Trong Passes Away at 80

Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong has died at 80 after a period of illness. He held the country's most powerful position for 13 years. President To Lam took over his duties on Thursday. Trong, known for his anti-corruption crackdown, appeared fragile recently and missed several meetings.

Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who held the country's most powerful position for 13 years, has died at the age of 80, according to state media on Friday. He succumbed to old age and a serious illness, passing away in the early afternoon.

The transition of power took place on Thursday when President To Lam assumed Trong's duties after the aging leader focused on medical treatment. Trong, a Soviet-educated figure, had been the most influential politician in Communist-ruled Vietnam since 2011. A rule limiting party bosses to two terms was waived for Trong in 2021, underscoring his immense political clout.

In recent months, Trong appeared frail at public events and missed key meetings. The party now faces the decision of whether to elect a new general secretary before the current term expires in 2026 or have Lam serve as the acting secretary. Known for launching a China-style anti-corruption campaign in 2017, Trong investigated numerous officials, leading to the resignation of top leaders, including cabinet ministers and state presidents.