Vietnam: Three new deputy Prime Ministers appointed by parliament

Vietnam announced the appointment of three new deputy prime ministers on Monday.

This marks the latest in a series of high-level political changes during a tumultuous period for the ruling Communist Party.

The country, known for its historically stable political landscape, has seen unprecedented upheaval since 2021 due to an aggressive anti-corruption campaign.

President To Lam was named as general secretary — Vietnam’s top leader — this month following the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong.

Trong, the most powerful man in decades, was the mastermind of the “blazing furnace” crackdown on corruption.

Vietnam’s four-pillar leadership structure includes the general secretary, president, prime minister and head of the National Assembly.

The rubber-stamp parliament met at its eighth “extraordinary” session in Hanoi on Monday and announced a new chief judge and chief prosecutor, three new deputy prime ministers and two new ministers.

Only one of the outgoing politicians was explicitly linked to the anti-corruption campaign.

Former deputy prime minister Le Minh Khai was sacked Monday for violating party regulations and law.

The government now counts five deputy prime ministers among its ranks. 

As the anti-corruption drive continues to intensify, General Secretary To Lam has vowed to accelerate the campaign, which has already ensnared thousands of individuals, including top officials and senior business leaders.