[HO CHI MINH CITY] Vietnam’s National Assembly elected top security official To Lam as the new president on Wednesday (May 22), filling the second-highest political post after his predecessor resigned amid an anti-corruption campaign.
General Lam, 66, is viewed as a hardliner aligned with Vietnam Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong. He also serves as the deputy head of the committee dedicated to fighting corruption and is known for enforcing the “blazing furnace” anti-corruption campaign led by Trong.
Although the presidency is largely a ceremonial role, this latest appointment significantly elevates General Lam’s standing and influence in the country.
