Vietnam’s rubber-stamp parliament ratified public security minister To Lam as the country’s new president following the former president, Vo Van Thuong’s resignation amidst a major anticorruption drive.
In line with the one-party state’s protocols, the National Assembly unanimously endorsed 66-year-old Lam’s election after a secret ballot where he was the sole candidate. The vote came after his nomination by the ruling Communist Party last week.
Lam assumed the presidency from his predecessor, who stepped down in March amidst party-cited “violations and shortcomings” after just one year in office. The following month, the National Assembly chairman also resigned over similar issues.
Critics suggested Lam,former deputy head of the anticorruption steering committee, exploited investigations to target political adversaries.
In his inaugural address, Lam pledged to “resolutely and persistently continue the fight against corruption.”
Thousands of individuals, including senior government and business figures, were ensnared in the sweeping anticorruption campaign dubbed the “blazing furnace,” where Lam played a pivotal role.
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