Following the Death of His Predecessor, To Lam Takes Over as the Country’s Most Powerful Leader

On August 3, 2024, Vietnam’s Communist Party elected President To Lam as its new General Secretary, following the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, two weeks earlier. As General Secretary, Lam now holds the most powerful position in Vietnam’s political structure, as the role of president is largely ceremonial, focused on meeting foreign dignitaries.

While Lam’s official title has changed, it remains unclear whether he will continue serving as president or step down from the post. In his first address after the election, Lam described his new role as an “urgent need” to ensure strong party leadership, acknowledging the great responsibility it entailed.

This transition comes after the death of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away due to old age and illness. Lam, who has served in various roles within the Ministry of Public Security, has been informally overseeing the country’s leadership since Trong’s passing.

The announcement of Lam’s promotion underscores his longstanding influence in the country’s leadership, particularly in overseeing domestic security and managing dissent in the one-party state.