To Lam Becomes the New President of Vietnam

On May 22, 2024, General To Lam was elected as the new president of Vietnam by the National Assembly, the country's parliament. His appointment comes in the midst of a sweeping anti-corruption campaign, dubbed the "blazing furnace," which has rocked Vietnam's political and business elite.

Lam, a member of the Communist Party's politburo, was the sole candidate for the presidency and was elected for a term lasting until 2026. His ascent to the presidency follows the resignation of former President Vo Van Thuong just two months ago, underscoring the extent of the political upheaval caused by the anti-graft drive.

As the former minister of public security since 2016, Lam played a crucial role in spearheading the anti-corruption campaign, which aimed to root out widespread corruption in the country. The crackdown has been far-reaching, leading to the resignations of three out of the top five leaders in Vietnam's leadership hierarchy.

Lam's investigations targeted high-profile politicians and businesspeople, contributing to the ouster of six members from the 18-member politburo, including two former presidents and the parliamentary head. This purge has shaken the foundations of Vietnam's political establishment, with Lam emerging as a central figure in the anti-graft crusade.

Human rights organizations have strongly criticized Vietnam's crackdown on dissent and civil liberties during Lam's tenure as public security minister. Watchdog groups have documented numerous cases of activists and dissidents being arrested, convicted, and sentenced to prison terms for expressing critical opinions about the government.

In 2017, Lam's ministry faced allegations of violating international law when German authorities accused the Vietnamese secret service of abducting a Vietnamese businessperson and former politician, Trinh Xuan Thanh, from Berlin. Germany deemed the incident "an unprecedented and flagrant violation of German and international law" and responded by expelling Vietnamese intelligence officers.

The Ceremonial Presidency and Lam's Potential Path to Becoming Party Chief

While the presidency in Vietnam is largely ceremonial, analysts suggest that Lam's new role as head of state puts him in a strong position to become the next Communist Party general secretary, the most powerful political position in the country.

Vietnam is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the party chief wields significant influence over the country's affairs. The current party chief, Nguyen Phu Trong, is 80 years old and may not seek another term after 2026, when his third five-year term ends.

Lam's appointment as president is seen as a strategic move within the party's internal power dynamics, positioning him as a potential successor to Trong as the party's general secretary. The presidency, while largely ceremonial, is considered one of the "four pillars" of Vietnam's leadership, alongside the party chief, the prime minister, and the speaker of the National Assembly.

By assuming the presidency, Lam has elevated his status within the party hierarchy, garnering valuable experience and exposure that could bolster his credentials for the top party post. His unwavering loyalty to the anti-corruption campaign and his role in purging perceived threats to the party's grip on power may also endear him to hardliners within the party's ranks.

However, Lam's ascent to the party leadership is not guaranteed, as he will likely face stiff competition from other influential figures within the Communist Party's inner circle. The party's opaque power struggles and factional dynamics make it difficult to predict the outcome of the next leadership transition.

Tightening Control and Censorship under Lam's Presidency

As Lam assumes the presidency, critics and human rights advocates warn of further intensification of repression and censorship in Vietnam. During his tenure as public security minister, civic space in the country has been increasingly curtailed, with restrictions on foreign aid, the jailing of climate activists, and the introduction of laws to censor social media.

With Lam's ascent to the presidency, there are concerns that these trends will continue and potentially escalate. His involvement in the crackdown on dissent and civil liberties, as well as his role in the anti-corruption campaign, have raised alarms among those advocating for greater freedom of expression and human rights in Vietnam.

Critics argue that the anti-corruption campaign has been used as a pretext to consolidate power and silence opposition voices. The purge of high-level officials has been accompanied by a broader clampdown on dissent, with activists, journalists, and bloggers facing harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment for voicing critical opinions about the government.

Moreover, the introduction of new cybersecurity laws and regulations has enabled the government to exercise greater control over online content and social media platforms. These measures have been criticized as an attempt to stifle free speech and restrict access to information, further diminishing the already limited space for dissent in Vietnam.

As the country positions itself as an alternative for companies shifting supply chains away from China, the ongoing political instability and human rights concerns have raised concerns among investors and the international community about the long-term implications of Lam's presidency and the potential for further erosion of civil liberties.

Vietnam's Context and Background

To understand the significance of Lam's rise to the presidency, it is essential to consider Vietnam's historical and political context. Vietnam is a communist country located in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 97 million people.

The country's modern history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Ho Chi Minh, the legendary communist leader who led the Vietnamese freedom movement against the colonial French regime and later against the American-supported South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War.

In 1954, following the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam was partitioned into communist North Vietnam and the American-supported South Vietnam. The two sides engaged in a prolonged conflict, known as the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the unification of the country under the communist regime.

Since then, Vietnam has been a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party of Vietnam. The party's control over all aspects of society and the economy has been absolute, with little room for dissent or opposition.

The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, and the country's currency is the Vietnamese dong. The current prime minister is Pham Minh Chinh, who assumed office in 2021.

While Vietnam has undergone economic reforms and opened up to foreign investment in recent decades, the Communist Party's grip on power remains unwavering. The party's leadership structure is centered around the Politburo, the highest decision-making body, and the Central Committee, which oversees the implementation of party policies.

Lam's rise to the presidency and his potential ascension to the party's general secretaryship mark a significant shift in Vietnam's political landscape, with implications for the country's future trajectory, both domestically and in its international relations.