Vo Van Thuong Becomes New President of Vietnam Pledging to Fight Against Corruption
The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has appointed a new head of state as part of its ongoing campaign against corruption. Vo Van Thuong was elected as president by a near-unanimous vote in the National Assembly, succeeding Nguyen Xuan Phuc who resigned earlier this year. Speaking after his appointment, Thuong pledged to continue the fight against corruption and unhealthy practices.
Vietnam has been rocked by a series of scandals linked to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the departure of several senior officials. The CPV, which has governed the country since the end of the Vietnam War, has responded with a major anti-corruption purge. In the past ten years, more than 168,000 party members have been sanctioned, including over 7,300 for corruption.
Thuong is a close ally of CPV General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and has been a key figure in the party’s anti-corruption efforts. He is also the youngest member of the Politburo, the CPV’s 16-member decision-making body. His appointment has been seen by analysts as a sign that he may be a potential successor to Trong at the next Congress in 2026.
Central to the CPV’s political direction, the president is the face of the regime abroad but remains a less influential figure than the General Secretary. Vietnam has been criticized for its poor record on freedom of expression, ranking among the worst in the world. Thuong’s appointment comes at a time of unrest behind the scenes as the CPV seeks to shape the present and future of the party.
As Vietnam’s new president, Thuong’s ability to tackle corruption and address other pressing issues will be watched closely. The CPV’s anti-corruption campaign has already led to the resignation of a senior leader, and many will be hoping that Thuong’s appointment marks a new chapter in the country’s fight against corruption and unhealthy practices.
