Vietnam's Party Leader To Lam Adds Presidency, Consolidating Power

Vietnam's ruling Communist Party has further consolidated its leadership. To Lam, the party's General Secretary, has been elected as the country's new State President. Lam will hold both powerful positions at the same time. This move follows a period of political instability. His predecessor as president, Vo Van Thuong, resigned in March after just one year in office. The State President role is largely ceremonial. However, it is one of Vietnam's four highest political positions. By holding two of these "four pillars" of power, Lam's authority is significantly strengthened. The change occurs during a major anti-corruption campaign. This campaign has unsettled the country's political elite and led to the resignation of several senior officials.