Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party reappoints chief To Lam as its headReutersVietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, reappointed yesterday as the country’s most powerful official, has earned a reputation as an ambitious reformer, promoting the strengthening of private conglomerates while boosting police powers. Less doctrinaire than his late predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, Lam has prioritized growth — which is crucial to legitimize the party’s authoritarian power — despite concerns over financial risks, controversial infrastructure and favoritism. Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary-General To Lam, second right, holds up a bouquet after being re-elected in Hanoi yesterday. Lam relinquished the presidency a few months after becoming party chief, but he continued acting as de facto head of state, representing the country abroad and meeting foreign leaders. As minister of public security, Lam oversaw approval of a large new opera house, Hanoi’s second, opened in 2023.

Source: Taipei Times January 23, 2026 17:28 UTC