Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong has stepped down after only one year in the position, state media announced Wednesday, as the communist country carries out a comprehensive anti-corruption campaign.
The Vietnam News Agency reported that Thuong had committed “violations and shortcomings” and his resignation was approved by the party’s central committee.
The 53-year-old’s significant decline comes as Vietnam experiences major political turmoil, with his predecessor also being removed in an anti-corruption effort that has led to the dismissal of several ministers and the trial of top business leaders for fraud.
VNA stated that Thuong had broken unspecified “regulations” and failed to set a suitable example as head of state.
“Comrade Vo Van Thuong’s violations and shortcomings have caused negative public opinion, impacting the reputation of the Party, State, and himself personally,” VNA said.
“Fully aware of his responsibility to the Party, State, and People, he submitted his resignation from his assigned positions.”
Thuong assumed the role of president on March 2 last year following the resignation of president Nguyen Xuan Phuc in an unexpected move unusual for Vietnam, where political changes have long been carefully planned, with an emphasis on stability.
Before Phuc, only one other Communist Party president had ever stepped down, and that was for health reasons.
While the president is head of state, real power is believed to lie with party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is seen as the mastermind behind the anti-corruption campaign, which has gained favor among the Vietnamese public.
AFP
