Vietnam's President To Lam: The Ascendancy and Implications of a Power Consolidator

To Lam, Vietnam's President, has risen quickly in power, taking on duties of the deceased Communist Party chief. Analysts suggest his leadership style could shift Vietnam towards autocracy. Some investors welcome the stability, yet civil liberties may suffer. Lam's career in public security and anti-corruption efforts have marked his ascent.

Vietnam's President To Lam, who has taken on the duties of the late Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, is a master behind-the-scenes operator who has long been involved in national security and is seen as capable of consolidating power further.

Unlike China, Vietnam's communist party has engaged in more collective decision-making, with leaders being subject to multiple checks. However, if Lam, 67, continues to wear both presidential and party chief hats, as Xi Jinping does, the Southeast Asian nation could experience a more autocratic leadership style, according to analysts, diplomats, and activists.

While some investors would welcome a stronger leader to end over a year of political wrangling and restore confidence in a critical manufacturing hub, they also warn that civil liberties could be further eroded.