Vietnam's communist legislature yesterday selected a new president as part of a continuing shuffle of the nation's top leadership.
Nguyen Minh Triet, Communist Party chief for Ho Chi Minh City and the sole candidate for the position, won overwhelming backing from the National Assembly, with 94 percent of the vote.
After being selected as the new head of state, Triet nominated Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, 56, to become the next prime minister. That vote was expected later yesterday.
PHOTO: EPA
"This is an honor, but also a heavy responsibility the party and people assigned to me," Triet said in his acceptance speech. "I swear to try my best to serve the country, serve the people and fulfill the job of president."
Triet, 63, is considered an economic reformer and as party head in Ho Chi Minh City, he developed a reputation for tackling graft.
Vietnam is a one-party state with a collective style of leadership. The prime minister is in charge of overseeing the government's day-to-day workings, while the president holds a more ceremonial position. The country's most powerful leader is the head of the Communist Party.
Over the weekend, the National Assembly cleared the way for the new guard after approving the resignation of Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, 72, President Tran Duc Luong, 69, and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An, 69.
Their terms had been due to expire in July next year, but the change will allow the new leaders to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Hanoi in November and to usher Vietnam into the WTO -- expected later this year.
On Monday, the assembly chose Nguyen Phu Trong, 62, Communist Party chief for Hanoi, as the new chairman of the legislature.
Triet spent most of his time during the Vietnam War promoting communist ideals to young people. He was appointed party chief of Song Be province in 1992 and made it into one of the most attractive places for foreign investors.
Yesterday he praised the country's successes, but said much work remained.
"Over the past years, the renewal process was initiated and our party has recorded great achievements," he said. "However, there are a lot of difficulties and challenges lying ahead of us."
Triet was elected to the Politburo in 1997 and became head of the Communist Party in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000.
A year later, he was at the helm when underworld kingpin Truong Van Cam, known as Nam Cam, was convicted of murder and bribery and executed.
"Triet has strong anti-corruption credentials, which will be very good," said Carlyle Thayer, an expert on Vietnamese politics at the Australian Defense Force Academy.
"He moves into a largely ceremonial position, but it's a signal of the direction of where Vietnam is going," he said.
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