Vietnam’s president, Vo Van Thuong, has stepped down after just one year in office, following a ruling Communist Party meeting where it was revealed that he had violated party rules, tarnishing its reputation.
Speculations suggest that his resignation is related to a corruption scandal in his home province.
This resignation comes after his predecessor was also forced out due to corruption issues, highlighting the party’s focus on tackling corruption.
Leadership changes in Vietnam are typically well-planned, but the rapid succession of two presidents resigning within a year over corruption scandals indicates the challenges the Communist Party faces in addressing endemic graft in the country’s growing economy.
The president holds significant authority among the “four pillars” of Vietnamese politics, alongside the general secretary of the Communist Party, the prime minister, and the chairman of the National Assembly.
Vo Van Thuong was initially seen as a capable leader, backed by powerful figures like party chief Nguyen Phu Trong in the anti-corruption campaign.
However, his resignation, like his predecessor’s, is linked to unspecified shortcomings damaging the party’s public image.
The National Assembly needs to formally approve Thuong’s resignation, with recent events including the arrest of a former leader in Quang Ngai province adding to the scrutiny on corruption issues.
Vietnam has seen several officials and business figures lose their positions or face legal actions due to corruption allegations, including a major bank fraud case involving a wealthy property tycoon.
The ongoing anti-corruption efforts may impact foreign investor confidence, crucial for Vietnam’s economic growth.
Source-BBC
