Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party opened its twice-a-decade congress on Monday, a pivotal moment in the country’s political future as General Secretary To Lam moves to consolidate power less than two years after taking the helm.
The gathering brings together nearly 1,600 delegates representing more than five million party members in a tightly controlled process that will shape Vietnam’s leadership for the next decade. The congress began on a solemn note with delegates paying tribute at the mausoleum of national hero Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi before proceeding to a closed preparatory session behind closed doors.
State media confirmed that the official opening ceremony will be broadcast live on Tuesday morning, where Lam is widely expected to deliver a major address outlining his vision for the country.
Since assuming leadership 17 months ago, Lam has pushed an aggressive anti-corruption campaign, streamlined government bureaucracy, and accelerated large-scale infrastructure projects—changes officials describe as nothing short of a “revolution” in governance.
Dual leadership ambitions
Sources close to internal party deliberations suggest Lam will retain his position as general secretary, Vietnam’s most powerful political role. However, he is also reportedly seeking to become president, a move that would place him in a dual leadership position similar to China’s Xi Jinping.
Political analysts say whether Lam succeeds depends largely on the composition of the incoming Politburo, especially resistance from more conservative military-aligned factions within the party. One insider told AFP that Lam’s bid for expanded authority has received provisional approval, though other reports indicate he may have compromised on his presidential ambitions to secure broader support for his reforms.
Under Vietnam’s collective leadership system, final approval rests with the new Politburo, meaning the outcome remains uncertain. If successful, Lam would become the first leader to be appointed simultaneously to both top roles directly by a party congress rather than through succession after a leader’s death.
