Vietnam’s Top Leader Nguyen Phu Trong Passes Away at 80; PM Modi Extends Condolences

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th July. Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party chief, Nguyen Phu Trong, passed away on Friday at the age of 80. Trong held the country’s most powerful position for 13 years, during which he oversaw rapid economic growth, a prolonged anti-corruption crackdown, and a pragmatic foreign policy approach.

Trong’s duties have been temporarily assigned to President To Lam, a rising star within the party. Lam could potentially consolidate his powers if he retains both roles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the death of the Vietnamese leader.

“Saddened by the news of the passing away of the Vietnamese leader, General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong. We pay our respects to the departed leader. Extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the people and leadership of Vietnam in this hour of grief,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Saddened by the news of the passing away of the Vietnamese leader, General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong. We pay our respects to the departed leader. Extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the people and leadership of Vietnam in this hour of grief.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 19, 2024

The Communist Party announced Trong’s death in the early afternoon, citing old age and serious illness. The statement from the party’s website mentioned that despite comprehensive treatment from top medical experts, Trong succumbed to his ailments.

To Lam had taken over Trong’s duties on Thursday as the party chief was ailing. The party will now need to decide whether Lam will be formally appointed as acting party chief until the current term expires in 2026 or if a new head will be elected before then.

Although Vietnam officially has no paramount ruler, Trong was the most powerful figure in the country as the party’s general secretary since 2011. He secured a third term in 2021 after a rule limiting holders to two terms was waived, highlighting his significant political influence in the party that has ruled unified Vietnam for nearly half a century.