Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc resigned after the ruling Communist Party accused him of “violations and misconduct” by officials under his control, the government said Tuesday, citing the country’s anti-corruption campaign. in major escalations.
Phuc, a former prime minister widely credited for accelerating business-oriented reforms, has held a largely ceremonial presidency since 2021, making him the highest-ranking target of the party’s sweeping anti-corruption crackdown. is an official of
Vietnam has no supreme ruler and is officially led by four “pillars”: the party secretary, the president, the prime minister and the speaker of the House of Representatives.
Phuc, 68, was ultimately responsible for crimes committed by many officials, including two deputy prime ministers and three ministers, the government said.
“Fully aware of his responsibilities before the party and the public, he has resigned from his assigned position and has filed an application to quit his job and retire,” the statement said.
Phuc’s office could not be immediately reached for comment, and it was not clear if a replacement had been chosen.
In Vietnam, speculation is rife that he will be sacked after the two deputy prime ministers who served under him were sacked in January.
Last year, 539 party members were indicted or “disciplined” for corruption and “deliberate misconduct,” according to the party. This includes ministers, dignitaries and diplomats. Meanwhile, police investigated 453 corruption cases, a 50% increase from 2021.
Earlier this month, Tron vowed to deliver results, saying the party’s approach had become “more determined” and “more effective and methodical”.
Opinions vary on the impact of the anti-transplant movement on investment and policy.
Le Hong Hiep, of the Vietnam Studies Program at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, said the purge could pave the way for the rise of clean and capable leaders.
“Unless the change in leadership leads to fundamental policy changes, the economic impact will be limited,” Hiep wrote on Facebook.
But Ha Hoang Hop, a senior visiting researcher at the same institute, said uncertainty about the impact of Hook’s death and the crackdown could make investors uneasy.
“This will lead Vietnam to a period of instability and worry foreign friends and investors,” he said.
Hooke’s resignation requires parliamentary approval, and sources on Monday said a rare ad hoc meeting will be held this week, raising hopes that Hooke’s fate is sealed. .
Phuc, who was known in Vietnam for his friendly approach and love of the national football team, was set to become the country’s most prestigious job, the future party general secretary.
As Prime Minister from 2016 to 2021, he oversaw the fast-growing Asian manufacturing power’s economic growth, averaging 6% per year, and helped promote liberalization, including trade agreements with the EU and Pacific nations. .
Despite his downfall, the government on Tuesday praised him for his achievements, especially his handling of the pandemic.
“He has made great efforts to lead, direct and manage the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic and has achieved significant results,” it said.
