Vietnam's President and Party Chief Are Now the Same Person

Vietnam's National Assembly has elected the leader of its Communist Party, To Lam, as the country's new president. The vote was unanimous. This move consolidates two of Vietnam's top political positions into one person's hands. It is an unusual concentration of power in the modern Vietnamese government. The roles of party chief and president have typically been held by different individuals. This separation is seen as a way to balance authority within the one-party state. To Lam, 66, is a former minister of public security. He was appointed as the Communist Party's top official just two months ago. His election as president completes his rapid rise to the pinnacle of political power. Analysts state that combining the roles strengthens Lam's control over both the party and the state apparatus. The National Assembly is currently meeting and is also expected to appoint a new prime minister soon.