Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party and a highly influential figure in the country, has passed away at the age of 80 after struggling with poor health for several months. The official media confirmed the news on Friday, announcing that he died at the 108 Central Military Hospital due to old age and serious illness. A state funeral will be held to honor his legacy.
Trong had been a dominant force in Vietnamese politics since 2011 when he was elected party chief. During his leadership, he focused on strengthening the Communist Party’s authority in Vietnam’s one-party political system. He emphasized the importance of combating corruption within the party, viewing it as a major threat to its credibility.
Under his tenure, a significant anti-corruption campaign, dubbed the “blazing furnace,” was launched, resulting in the disciplining of numerous party officials, including former high-ranking figures like former presidents and the former head of parliament. Trong’s efforts aimed to maintain discipline and stability within the party.
Despite speculation that Vietnam might shift closer to Russia and China during his leadership, the country pursued a diplomatic approach known as “bamboo diplomacy,” maintaining traditional ties with China while also strengthening relations with the United States to the highest diplomatic level.
Nguyen Khac Giang, an expert at the Vietnam Studies Program, noted that Trong’s anti-corruption campaign inadvertently weakened the party’s institutions, potentially leading to a concentration of personal power rather than a balance among different factions. Upon Trong’s passing, Vietnamese President To Lam was appointed as the party’s caretaker, likely paving the way for his ascent to party chief.
Trong’s death has created a significant void in Vietnam’s political landscape, with uncertainties prevailing regarding the future direction and leadership of the country. The transition of power may usher in a period of instability, as the established norms and institutions within the Communist Party face challenges in maintaining a balance of power among its members.
