Vietnam’s To Lam Secures Second Term as Communist Party Leader
Vietnam’s top leader To Lam was unanimously reappointed as head of the ruling Communist Party for another five-year term.
In the one-party state, all 180 members of the newly formed central committee backed Lam at the close of the party’s five-yearly congress, which sets policy priorities and leadership appointments.
Lam promised to pursue double-digit growth and said governance should be based on integrity, talent, courage and competence, with performance judged by concrete results.
Party Congress Sets Targets
The congress approved a resolution calling for annual economic growth of at least 10% through the decade and appointed the 19-member Politburo. To Lam topped the list, followed by National Assembly chairman Tran Thanh Man, senior party figure Tran Cam Tu and former central bank governor Le Minh Hung, seen as a contender for prime minister.
Defence Minister Phan Van Giang ranked lower, while Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Luong Cuong were absent from the lineup.
Reforms, Risks and Investor Reassurance
Since becoming party chief in mid-2024, Lam has overseen strong growth under sweeping reforms aimed at faster decision-making and reduced red tape. These changes drew criticism after tens of thousands of civil servants lost their jobs. Officials familiar with the process said Lam moved early to consolidate backing from rival factions, including the powerful military.
Amid concerns his agenda could favour private conglomerates over state firms, Lam issued a directive ahead of the congress reaffirming the leading role of state-owned enterprises, including military-linked groups such as Viettel.
Addressing the congress after his reappointment, the 68-year-old said maintaining party unity would be a priority. He is also seeking the presidency, with a decision expected later. Analysts say his re-election reassures foreign investors who value political stability, though some warn that concentrating the top party and state roles could challenge Vietnam’s tradition of collective leadership.
To Lam aims to shift Vietnam’s growth model away from dependence on low-cost labour and exports. His focus is on innovation and efficiency to reach high middle-income status by 2030, a goal that exceeds near-term World Bank growth forecasts.
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