Vietnam: To Lam concentrates power and establishes himself as the strongman of the regime

Vietnamese leader To Lam has been elected president by members of the National Assembly, consolidating his grip on power for the next five years. This unanimous decision marks a turning point in the country's political organization.

Already the general secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam now holds the two most important positions in the state, breaking with the Vietnamese tradition of collegial leadership. This concentration of power brings Vietnam's political model closer to that of China, where authority is highly centralized.

According to several analysts, this development could strengthen the efficiency of decision-making at the highest levels of government, but it also raises concerns about a possible slide towards authoritarianism. The concentration of power in the hands of a single leader is seen as a major shift in the balance of the Vietnamese political system.

A former public security chief, To Lam is considered a leader who favors economic development and businesses. However, some of his policies have drawn criticism, particularly due to concerns about favoritism and the formation of speculative bubbles.

Experts believe this consolidation of power could permanently transform governance in Vietnam. While it may allow for greater political responsiveness, it could also weaken internal control mechanisms within the regime.