On Friday in Hanoi, thousands of mourners gathered for the second day of the funeral of Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who had a significant influence on Vietnamese politics for over a decade. His passing at the age of 80 has initiated a succession battle within the party, expected to continue until the National Party Congress in 2026.
Trong’s coffin, adorned with the colors of Vietnam’s flag, was placed at the National Funeral House in Hanoi, surrounded by medals and his portrait. The entire nation observed a period of national mourning with flags flying at half-mast, and sports and entertainment activities suspended.
Trong was laid to rest at Mai Dich cemetery, a burial ground for military heroes and senior party officials, later on Friday. Various top Communist Party officials, including President To Lam, paid their respects. People from different provinces queued up in Hanoi to pay tribute.
Notable figures attending the funeral included South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Chinese Communist Party leader Wang Huning, former Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, Cuban National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernandez, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Leaders worldwide, such as U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, praised Trong for his contributions to international relations. Trong’s approach to diplomacy, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” emphasized flexibility and maintaining positive relations with various countries.
Trong led a vigorous anti-corruption campaign during his tenure, targeting business and political elites. Thousands of party officials were disciplined, including former high-ranking officials. His legacy and initiatives will impact the future direction of Vietnam’s Communist Party.
While President To Lam is expected to continue leading in the interim, uncertainties remain regarding Trong’s successor and the future of the anti-corruption movement. The party faces challenges in resolving internal differences and transitioning power to the next generation.