Vietnam's President To Lam was officially sworn in as the country's top leader on Saturday, vowing to “speed up” a massive anti-corruption campaign that has involved thousands of people in recent years.
The Communist Party appointed Lam as general secretary this morning, the party announced at a press conference, making him the most powerful figure in Vietnam's leadership hierarchy.
It is not clear whether Lam will remain as president, which is largely a ceremonial position.
In her first statement as secretary-general, Lam vowed to “speed up” a sweeping crackdown on corruption that has seen thousands of people—including top officials and senior business leaders—trapped in the crackdown.
“(I will) continue to accelerate the eradication of corruption … regardless of who the person is,” Lam said at a press conference.
“We have earned the trust of the people, and international friends, in our struggle.”
Lam's appointment comes two weeks after the death of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam's most powerful leader in decades.
Trong died in the capital Hanoi “due to old age and serious illness” and Lam was informally handed over the reins of power.
Lam rose to the top job after a long career at the secretive Ministry of Public Security, which oversees dissent and polices activists in Vietnam, a one-party state.
Lam, 67, led the ministry from 2016 until earlier this year, when she was elected president.
The move follows the resignation of his predecessor, as part of a sweeping anti-corruption purge. (ah/ft)
