Global

Vietnam Mourns Death Of Long-Serving Leader Nguyen Phu Trong

Vietnam’s long-serving leader, Nguyen Phu Trong, has passed away “after a period of illness,” marking the end of a significant political era. His death, announced on Friday, comes shortly after the government revealed he was stepping back to focus on his health and had transferred his duties to President To Lam.

Nguyen Phu Trong, who served as the general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party since 2011, and at one point also held the presidency, was one of the country’s most influential leaders in decades. He was 80 years old.

During his tenure, Trong oversaw remarkable economic growth in Vietnam. He was also known for his “blazing furnaces” anti-corruption campaign, which sought to root out corruption within the government and party ranks.

Trong’s passing occurs amidst a period of political turbulence for Vietnam’s Communist leadership. In recent months, three top leaders resigned following unspecified accusations of wrongdoing. According to the official statement, Trong died “due to old age and serious illness,” a day after the government surprisingly announced he needed time for “active treatment” for an unspecified condition. On that same day, Trong was awarded the Gold Star, Vietnam’s highest honor, for his contributions to the party and country.

Seen as recently as late June during a state visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trong’s absence from subsequent events, including the launch of a book of his speeches, fueled speculation about his health. His occasional acknowledgments of health issues did little to quell rumors, intensified by a report in 2019 that he had a stroke. Vietnam’s strict control over information regarding the health of top officials, classified as a state secret since 2018, further contributed to the mystery.

Trong’s legacy is multifaceted and complex. Rising to power in 2011, he remained as general secretary for an unusual three terms and served as president from 2018 to 2021. Under his leadership, Vietnam’s GDP per capita more than doubled, and the country signed numerous free trade agreements with Western and Asian nations. Trong fostered relations with global leaders, including U.S. Presidents and China’s Xi Jinping, reflecting his willingness to engage internationally while steadfastly maintaining socialist ideals.

“He was a career lifelong ideologue… he was a true believer, and I think that’s why in some ways relations between Vietnam and China have grown so close,” noted Zachary M. Abuza, a professor and Southeast Asia expert at the National War College in Washington, DC. Giang Nguyen, a visiting senior fellow with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, added, “He always believed in making the party clean and relevant so that the party could live with the country for another 1,000 years.”

Trong’s anti-corruption efforts were extensive, with nearly 200,000 officials facing charges or disciplinary actions. However, these measures have not eradicated corruption, as evidenced by a recent $44 billion fraud scandal. Critics argue that the drive has led to a critical shortage in public service and instability within the Communist Party, leaving few potential successors. Only President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meet the conditions to inherit his post.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

Melissa Enoch

View Comments

  • Royal umbrella=20,000
    Mama Gold=20,000
    Royal stallion=20,000
    Rising sun=20,000
    Special rice=10,500
    Mama Africa=20,000
    Elephant Gold=20,000
    Caprice =20,000
    TRANSPORTATION CHARGES IS (#1,500)

    • Toyota Land Cruiser-N1.5 million
    • Toyota Prado N1. 3million
    • Toyota Corolla –N750,000-1.9m
    • Toyota Camry –N550,000-N1.8 M
    • Toyota Avensis – N950,000-N1.7M
    • Toyota Yaris – N900,000
    • Toyota Venza – N2.8 million
    • Toyota RAV4 SUV –N1.2milli
    • Toyota Hilus Pickup-N950,000
    • Toyota Dyna Truck – N1.3million
    • Toyota Hiace Bus – N1.5 million
    * Toyota Highlander-N1.2 million
    *Toyota Big daddy-N850,000-1.9 m

    Honda Civic cars – N850,000
    Honda Accord – N950,000
    Honda CR-V –N980,000
    Honda CR-V –950,000
    Honda Pilot – N900,000

    *Prices of some Volswagen cars:
    golf 1 = 250,000
    Golf 2,-N350,000
    golf 3,4-400,00-500,000
    golf 5 -N550,000
    Jetta-N350,000
    Passat-N450,000

    Lexus RX300-N950,000
    Lexus RX330-N1.4 mill
    Lexus RX350-N1.8 mill
    Lexus GX460-N4.2 mill
    Lexus GX470-N5.5 mill
    Lexus RX400-# 3.3 mill
    Toyota Sienna = 700,000

    WE DELIVER TO 36 STATES
    YOU CAN CALL THE OFFICE IN CHARGE OR ADD HIM UP ON WHATSAPP O8O 6739 9O9O
    INSTALMENTAL PAYMENT IS ALLOWED!!〽.VEHICLES ARE SLIGHTLY NEGOTIABLE〽WE COMMENCE DELIVERY WITHIN 36 STATE IN NIGERIA

Recent Posts

Trial Underway for Eight People Accused of Inciting Murder of Teacher Samuel Paty

Eight individuals are on trial in Paris, accused of inciting the murder of teacher Samuel…

13 mins ago

Indonesian Government To Evacuate 16,000 Residents After Mount Lewotobi Eruption

Indonesia is evacuating 16,000 residents after Mount Lewotobi erupted, resulting in nine deaths and significant…

26 mins ago

Philippines Stockpiles Food, Evacuates Towns As Typhoon Yinxing Threatens Northeast

The Philippines is stockpiling food, evacuating towns, and deploying soldiers in preparation for Typhoon Yinxing,…

40 mins ago

Harris Wraps Up Campaign in Philadelphia, Trump Rallies in Michigan as Tight Election Nears

Harris has concluded her campaign in Philadelphia while Trump gathers support in Michigan as election…

55 mins ago

Pennsylvania Judge Approves Elon Musk’s $1Million Voter Giveaway

A Pennsylvania judge has approved Elon Musk's plan to give away $1 million in support…

1 hour ago

Israel Hostages Forum Calls for Investigation into Leak of Confidential Documents by Netanyahu Aide

The Israel Hostages Group has urged for an investigation after a Netanyahu aide allegedly leaked…

1 hour ago