Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party and the country’s most powerful politician, has passed away at the age of 80 after months of ill health, according to official media reports on Friday.
The Nhan Dan newspaper stated, “General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 13:38 on July 19, 2024, at the 108 Central Military Hospital due to old age and serious illness.”
A state funeral is set to be held in honor of Trong.
Trong held a dominant position in Vietnamese politics since 2011 when he was elected party chief. He focused on strengthening the Communist Party’s authority in Vietnam’s single-party political system. His leadership shifted the power balance back to the Communist Party after a decade where the governmental wing led by then-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held more influence.
Born in 1944 in Hanoi, Trong was a Marxist-Leninist scholar who joined the Communist Party at the age of 22 after obtaining a degree in philosophy. He emphasized the importance of fighting corruption to uphold the party’s credibility.
Trong initiated a vigorous anti-corruption campaign called the “blazing furnace” that targeted both business and political elites. Thousands of party officials were disciplined since 2016, including high-ranking figures like former presidents and the head of parliament.
Despite speculation that Vietnam would align more closely with Russia and China under Trong’s leadership, the nation pursued a pragmatic policy known as “bamboo diplomacy,” balancing relationships with major powers like China and the United States.
Trong managed to host top leaders from the United States, China, and Russia within a short period, showcasing his ability to navigate complex geopolitical relationships.
Condolences poured in from world leaders, including the Chinese Communist Party and the White House, recognizing Trong’s contributions to international relations.
Trong’s legacy, however, has been questioned due to the unintended consequences of his anti-corruption campaign on the Communist Party’s institutions. The erosion of these structures could lead to a shift in power dynamics within the party.
Following Trong’s passing, Vietnamese President To Lam has taken on the role of party caretaker. Lam is expected to become the next party chief, but the future of Vietnamese politics remains uncertain as norms and institutions face challenges.
The upcoming national congress in early 2026 will determine the new leadership for the next five years in Vietnam’s Communist Party.