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THE Vietnam recently experienced a significant turning point in its governance with the election to the presidency of Luong Cuong, an army general. This decision, taken unanimously by the 440 members of the National Assembly, occurs following the resignation of his predecessors during a period marked by affairs of corruption. The election of Luong Cuong, although symbolically honorary, takes place in a political context of internal tensions and strengthening of controls within the state apparatus.
On October 21, 2024, Luong Cuong, a general in the Vietnamese army, was unanimously elected president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam by the 440 members of the National Assembly. This election follows various political upheavals within the country, including the resignation of two presidents within the space of a year, due to political affairs. corruption.
Context of the election
The appointment of Luong Cuong comes in a tense political context for Vietnam. To Lam, his predecessor, was promoted to the position of general secretary of the Communist Party after the death of Nguyen Phu Trong in July 2024. The previous occupants of the presidency, who faced various accusations, were forced to resign, which illustrates the fragility of the Vietnamese political system.
The honorary role of the president
Although the president is nominally the head of state, real power in Vietnam is concentrated in the hands of the general secretary of the Communist Party. This places Luong Cuong in a position essentially symbolic, his role not allowing him to exercise major political authority, but rather to represent the country on the international scene.
The anti-corruption campaign in the background
To Lam, in his inaugural speech, called for strengthening the anti-corruption campaign, dubbed “ blazing inferno “. This movement not only aimed to reinvigorate the government’s anti-corruption initiatives, but also to remove rivals from the race for succession, thus illustrating a complex and strategic power play. During this campaign, more than 10,000 people were tried, displaying an apparent desire to purify institutions.
The implications of Luong Cuong’s election
Luong Cuong’s ascension to the presidency could signal continuity under the strict policies currently in place, as Vietnamese authorities strive to maintain an apparent stability towards foreign investors and the general public. The new president will be closely observed, as his actions and decisions could influence the country’s political climate as well as its international perception.
Although Luong Cuong’s presidency is seen as a change, it represents just another cog in Vietnam’s governance mechanism, where the real power lies in the Party. A dynamic that is sure to have repercussions on the international relations and the geopolitical situation in a Vietnam seeking modernization amid internal challenges.