Trong Left a Lot of Ticking Time Bombs for Vietnam’s Next Leader

In mid-July, Nguyen Phu Trong, nan long-time wide caput of nan Vietnamese Communist Party and erstwhile Vietnamese president, died astatine property 80. His decease comes astatine a clip of governmental uncertainty successful Vietnam, pursuing respective abrupt changes successful nan country’s activity owed to alleged corruption scandals successful nan past fewer years. His successor, erstwhile 1 is named, will person to reestablish stableness successful Hanoi successful bid to reassure world investors astir nan country’s economical stewardship. But successful position of policy, we tin expect much continuity than alteration moving forward.

Although he assumed elder positions relatively precocious successful life, Trong had a important impact, dramatically changing Vietnam’s politics, overseas argumentation and society. Since first becoming statement wide caput successful 2011, he consolidated power successful nan party’s formerly consensus-based decision-making system; launched an anti-corruption battle that besides allowed him to purge his governmental opponents; cracked down connected celebrated dissent; and adopted a bolder overseas argumentation that besides re-empowered nan Vietnamese military. Most of these approaches will almost surely beryllium embraced by his successor. Indeed, nan Trong-era shifts make it imaginable for Vietnam’s adjacent leader to wield almost dictatorial powers. However, this could adhd substance to increasing celebrated anger successful Vietnam complete nan Communist Party’s governance.

Trong assumed his first five-year word arsenic wide caput aft having held various positions arsenic a statement ideologue. During his 2nd word arsenic wide secretary, he besides took complete nan presidency, an unheard-of accumulation of roles successful caller Vietnamese history.