Vietnam Communist Party (VCP) has nominated Public Security Minister General Tho Lam for President of the country, the government announced today, also also nominated a new Speaker of the Parliament as part of a major change in leadership, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Unprecedented for a one-party state once known for its stable political environment, two presidents and one speaker of parliament have stepped down in less than 18 months, all for unspecified "misdeeds" amid a massive anti-corruption campaign that has worried foreign investors because of its effect on bureaucracy.
Following parliamentary approval, which could come next week, General Lam, 66, will replace Vo Van Thong, who resigned in March after being accused of violating party regulations, just over a year after his appointment.
Regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the country, General Lam was chosen earlier this week by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam to take over the presidency, but authorities and state media only revealed the nomination today.
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The president has a mostly ceremonial role, but is nevertheless among the four highest political offices in Vietnam. The others are the general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, who is also the supreme leader, the prime minister and the speaker of the parliament, notes Reuters.
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Source: www.bta.bg