The resignation of President Vo Van Thuong was accepted by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam on March 20, marking the end of his leadership and highlighting the risks associated with Hanoi’s anti-corruption efforts.
The National Assembly held an extraordinary session the next day to approve his resignation, but no successor was elected. Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan will serve as the acting president until a new president is elected.
Thuong is just one of several senior leaders to be removed from their positions as part of the anti-corruption campaign, causing instability in Vietnam’s political landscape.
Rumors of Thuong’s resignation began circulating after the postponement of a royal visit, and he is the fourth Politburo member to step down since late 2022.
Despite initial optimism about Thuong’s potential, his downfall has highlighted the complexities and power struggles within the ruling party.
The investigation into Thuong’s resignation dates back to his time in Quang Ngai, revealing the deep-rooted rivalries and political maneuvers at play.
Minister of Public Security To Lam is believed to have played a significant role in Thuong’s removal, possibly aiming to secure his own political position and influence.
With Thuong out of the picture, the race for the presidency has intensified, with potential candidates vying for power and influence within the party.
The political landscape in Vietnam remains uncertain, with factional deadlocks and power struggles complicating the process of electing new leaders.
The fallout from Thuong’s resignation has underscored the complexities of Vietnamese politics and the challenges of maintaining stability in the face of corruption and power struggles.