POLICE Minister To Lam has been declared the new President of Vietnam after a nomination held this past weekend.
The Central Committee of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party appointed Lam who is one of the most influential figures in the Southeast Asian nation.
The 66-year-old leader’s appointment was perceived by observers as a possible stepping stone toward becoming party chief for a one-party nation such as Vietnam.
He will replace Vo Van Thuong, who stepped down in March after being accused of violating party rules.
Two state presidents and a parliament speaker have stepped down from power in less than 18 months amid a major antigraft campaign in Vietnam.
The president holds one of the top four political positions in Vietnam but is mainly a ceremonial role.
