Nation Mourns the Passing of Vietnam's Communist Party Leader Nguyen Phu Trong

Thousands in Hanoi gathered for the second day of Nguyen Phu Trong's funeral, marking the end of an era in Vietnamese politics. His death has triggered a succession struggle within the Communist Party, likely to culminate at the 2026 National Party Congress. Notable international figures attended the ceremonies.

Thousands of mourners assembled in Hanoi on Friday for the second day of the funeral for Nguyen Phu Trong, the influential Communist Party general secretary who dominated Vietnamese politics for over a decade.

His death at 80 last week has initiated a succession struggle within the party, expected to continue until the 2026 National Party Congress. Trong's coffin, draped in Vietnam's red and yellow flag, rested beneath his smiling portrait and many medals at the National Funeral House in Hanoi.

Flags flew at half mast during the national mourning period, with all sports and entertainment activities suspended. International dignitaries, including leaders from South Korea, China, Japan, Cuba, India, and the US, paid their respects.

(With inputs from agencies.)