Vietnamese President To Lam Ascends to Communist Party Chief

To Lam, Vietnam's President, has been appointed as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, replacing the late Nguyen Phu Trong. Lam pledges to continue Trong's legacy, maintain foreign policies, and advance socioeconomic goals while fiercely upholding the anti-corruption campaign.

Hanoi, Vietnam – Vietnamese President To Lam has been named the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the nation's highest position, filling the vacancy left by Nguyen Phu Trong's recent passing two weeks ago.

Assuming the role on July 18, one day before Trong's death due to deteriorating health, Lam received unanimous support from party delegates for his nomination, according to official statements at a press conference.

In his address, Lam committed to carrying forward Trong's legacy, making no changes to Vietnam's foreign policies, achieving the nation's socioeconomic development goals, and continuing the country's robust anti-corruption efforts with vigor. While Vietnam does not have a formal paramount leader, the role of party chief has been significantly empowered during Trong's 13-year leadership.

Previously seen as aspiring for the top party role, Lam, a career security officer, was elected president in May after spearheading major anti-graft investigations as police minister. His presidency was considered a precursor to his new role, succeeding Vo Van Thuong, who left amid unspecified allegations of misconduct after less than a year in office.

(With inputs from agencies.)