On December 3, at the meeting with voters in Hanoi, General Secretary To Lam “unexpectedly” made a statement: “This is also the first time the Politburo has disciplined and warned key Party officials. There is no stopping but must continue.”
Although Lam did not specifically mention any person, people immediately remembered two cases. That is former National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, who was recently disciplined with a warning, and former State President Vo Van Thuong, who was named but has not been disciplined because he is undergoing medical treatment.
The above statement of General Secretary Lam is considered a warning, not only for former senior leaders, but also a deterrent for individuals and organizations within the Party, who have been and are collaborating to oppose the head of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
After former Minister and Head of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung was probed and arrested, social networks immediately mentioned the name of former State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc who is Dung’s superior.
Phuc – a leader of the “Four Pillars” was forced to resign in January 2023 after accepting responsibility for the violations of his subordinates in corruption scandals. Recently, rumors have appeared surrounding him and his family members being accused of accepting bribes and money laundering in major cases such as the Viet A and Van Thinh Phat cases.
According to insiders, Phuc’s political fate has not been clearly determined yet. However, the fact that former National Assembly Chairman Hue – who seemed to have peace time, was recently disciplined with a warning, shows that Phuc is not really safe.
If Lam proceeds to prosecute Phuc, this will break the previous precedent of the four pillars being “exempted from death” meaning they would retire “safely” after being forced to leave their positions. This move will affirm that Lam’s anti-corruption campaign will truly have no “no-go zones, regardless of who that person is” even with those who used to be heads of state and government.
According to analysts, if that happens, it will mark the first time a former member of the “Four Pillars” has been prosecuted at this level. This sends a strong message that even the highest-ranking officials are not out of the sights of the anti-corruption campaign.
However, prosecution against Phuc will greatly affect the political situation in Vietnam. For the reason that former State President Phuc, despite having left office, still has influence through his relationships and political connections with factions within the Party. Punishing him could also affect the balance of power among political groups, especially as the ruling party prepares for its 14th National Congress in early 2026.
On the other hand, General Secretary Lam is probably using a “cat and mouse” tactic towards Phuc. Lam’s Ministry of Public Security, through informed sources, occasionally reveals rumors. This is seen as a way to create pressure, forcing Phuc to make concessions, or cooperate in General Secretary Lam’s power grab.
Punishing Phuc not only demonstrates his determination to fight corruption but is also an important test for General Secretary Lam, regarding his power and political position in the party.
The above shows that criminal prosecution of Phuc and his wife is an extremely difficult decision for Lam at this time.
Tra My – Thoibao.de
