HANOI – Vietnam’s National Assembly elected Tran Thanh Man as its new chairman on May 20, marking a significant change in the ongoing reshuffle of the country’s top leadership.
Tran Thanh Man, 61, previously served as the deputy speaker of the House since 2021. He replaces Vuong Dinh Hue, who resigned in April due to unspecified “violations and shortcomings.” Hue’s resignation is part of a broader shift that has seen three top party officials exit since March, including two presidents and a Parliament speaker, amid an intensifying anti-graft campaign.
Man, who holds a doctorate in economics and formerly chaired the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho, received unanimous support from all 475 lawmakers present at the vote. His elevation to the powerful Politburo in 2021 underscores his significant influence within the party.
The announcement of Man’s nomination came alongside that of a new state president, Police Minister To Lam, who is anticipated to be confirmed later this week by the assembly, which is currently in a month-long session. These votes are largely procedural but crucial for cementing leadership changes.
In his address to the assembly, Man pledged loyalty to the state, the people, and the Constitution, stating, “I will try to fulfil all the tasks assigned by the state and the people.”
This leadership reshuffle is taking place amid the party’s “blazing furnace” anti-corruption campaign, spearheaded by long-serving General-Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The campaign has led to the prosecution or forced resignation of thousands of officials and high-profile business executives.
Last week, the party appointed four new members to the Politburo, the country’s top decision-making body, after removing its fifth-ranking leader Truong Thi Mai. Mai’s departure makes her the sixth Politburo member to step down since late 2022, reflecting the ongoing efforts to address corruption and consolidate power within the party.