Vietnam's Leader Leaves Complex Legacy
The death of Vietnam's influential Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong marks the end of an era defined by rapid economic growth and a controversial anti-corruption campaign.
Published July 20, 2024 - 00:07am
Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong passed away on Friday at the age of 80, after serving as the nation's most powerful leader for 13 years. His death was reported by domestic media and later confirmed by an official statement. During his tenure, Trong was a central figure in both Vietnam's economic surge and its vigorous anti-corruption campaign.
Trong, who led the anti-corruption drive dubbed the 'Blazing Furnace,' had been ill for some time and stepped back from his official duties. His anti-graft measures targeted senior party officials and business leaders. This initiative raised concerns about political stability in a country heavily dependent on foreign investment and trade. Carlyle Thayer, a Vietnam expert at the University of New South Wales, noted that Trong would be remembered for his staunch adherence to Marxism-Leninism and socialism.
The mantle of party leadership has now been taken up by newly appointed President To Lam. State media reported Lam's appointment on Thursday, as Trong had withdrawn from public life since January. Lam, who has a robust background in security, was already a key figure in Trong's anti-corruption campaign and is seen as the top candidate to succeed Trong officially in 2026.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences following Trong's death, emphasizing the late leader's contributions to bilateral ties between Russia and Vietnam. Putin recalled his recent meeting with Trong in June during a visit to Vietnam. Trong's diplomatic tact, often described as 'bamboo diplomacy,' balanced relations with both China and the United States, despite the complex geopolitical environment in Southeast Asia.
Nguyen Phu Trong was also known for his academic background. Born in Hanoi's Dong Anh suburban area, he graduated from Hanoi State University's Philology Department and later obtained a doctorate in political science from the Academy of Social Sciences of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in Moscow. His early work focused on folk literature, but he eventually turned to politics, where he became the editor-in-chief of the party's Communist Review magazine before ascending to the roles of National Assembly speaker and ultimately the Communist Party chief.
Trong's administration saw Vietnam's GDP per capita more than double, driven in part by the 1986 Doi Moi reforms which transformed Vietnam into one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. His tenure was marked by high-profile diplomatic engagements, including visits from U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signifying Vietnam's unique position in international relations. Under Trong, Vietnam also strengthened ties with Japan and Russia, reflecting its multi-faceted foreign policy.
However, Trong's legacy is not without controversy. His anti-corruption campaign was seen as a double-edged sword, leading to significant arrests and resignations but also stirring fears among foreign investors and accusations of targeting political rivals. Critics pointed to the intensified crackdown on dissent under his rule, with numerous activists, journalists, and social media users imprisoned.
In his later years, Trong's health visibly declined, leading to increased speculation about the future of Vietnam's leadership. Despite these challenges, he won a rare third term in 2021, exceeding the two-term limit traditionally imposed on the party chief role. His influence remained strong until his death, second only to Le Duan, who led Vietnam for 26 years following the death of Ho Chi Minh.
Trong leaves behind a complex and multifaceted legacy, reflected in the views of international and domestic commentators. While he was seen as a man of moderation and an advocate of pragmatic foreign policy, the repercussions of his stringent anti-corruption measures and the suppression of political dissent continue to evoke mixed reactions. His death opens a new chapter for Vietnam's political landscape, with significant implications for its future domestic policies and international relations.