Vietnam's Second in Power Hierarchy
Vo Van Thuong, State President
Rumors are circulating about the resignation of Vo Van Thuong (53), the second-highest-ranking official in Vietnam's power hierarchy. This comes as the Vietnamese National Assembly has convened a special session citing 'personnel matters' as the reason.
According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 18th, the Vietnamese National Assembly sent a letter to its members announcing a temporary meeting on the 21st to discuss personnel issues, without specifying the exact reasons.
Foreign media, citing several Vietnamese officials and diplomats, reported that Thuong's resignation could be addressed at this meeting. The letter from the National Assembly stated, "The 6th extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly has been convened to deliberate and decide on personnel matters."
However, it is uncertain what conclusions will be reached at this meeting. The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly reportedly did not immediately respond to inquiries related to this session.
Former State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc abruptly resigned in March last year, taking responsibility for misconduct among public officials. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam promptly nominated Thuong, the Standing Secretary of the Communist Party, as the new State President. The National Assembly approved the appointment, and Thuong began his term. He assumed the presidency at the youngest age in history, with his term set to last until 2026.
President Thuong is considered a close aide to Nguyen Phu Trong, the Communist Party Secretary General and the highest-ranking official in the power hierarchy.
In Vietnam, power is divided among the Communist Party Secretary General at the center, the State President (foreign affairs and defense), the Prime Minister (administration), and the National Assembly Chairman (legislation).
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