Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party and a central figure in the country’s politics, has died at the age of 80. Official reports confirmed his passing due to old age and severe illness on July 19.
Trong has been a dominant force in Vietnamese politics since becoming party chief in 2011, during which he focused on consolidating the Communist Party’s influence within Vietnam’s single-party system. His political career involved a rigorous anti-corruption campaign, which led to the discipline of thousands of party officials, including former presidents and members of the Politburo, significantly shifting the political landscape.
Trong viewed corruption as a major threat to the party’s legitimacy. His educational background in philosophy and his early induction into the party at 22 set the stage for his lifelong political journey. His tenure also saw the implementation of “bamboo diplomacy,” balancing relations with both China and the United States.
His death leaves a void in Vietnam’s political arena, with President To Lam serving as the party caretaker. Trong’s health has been a subject of speculation since his hospitalization in 2019, and his recent public appearances showed him in frail health. (NNT)
