To Lam has been unanimously elected as Vietnam’s state president by the country’s lawmakers. The move consolidates power, placing both the leadership of the Communist Party and the state presidency in the hands of a single individual – a rare occurrence in Vietnam.
The election of Lam, who previously served as Communist Party chief, marks a shift in the nation’s power structure. Traditionally, the party leadership and state presidency have been held by separate figures.
During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, lawmakers also elected Le Minh Hung, former central bank governor, as the country’s new prime minister for the next five years.
Lam’s appointment is expected to tighten control as Vietnam addresses current economic challenges. He will serve as president for the next five years.