Vietnam's Communist Party Chief Seeks Expanded Power Mandate

Vietnam's Communist Party chief, To Lam, is pursuing a dual role as both party leader and state president, a move that would align Vietnam's governance more closely with China's political model. This initiative is set to be addressed at the upcoming Communist Party congress, which will convene from January 19 to 25, 2026, in Hanoi, gathering approximately 1,600 delegates. This congress, held every five years, is pivotal for determining leadership appointments and policy directions for the single-party state.

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power ModelHow Vietnam’s Five-Year Communist Party Congress Chooses the Country’s Next LeadersThe Straits Times

To Lam, aged 68, sought preliminary approval for this merger of roles during a party meeting in December 2025. While he reportedly received backing to continue as party chief, opinions diverged on his bid for the presidency, a largely ceremonial position currently held by military leaders. Historically, the combination of these roles has only occurred during exceptional circumstances, such as briefly in 2024 when Lam held both positions following the death of an incumbent.

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power Model

Should Lam's bid succeed, it would represent a significant departure from Vietnam's traditional power-sharing model, which aims to prevent the concentration of power in a single figure. The military, a powerful faction within the party, would relinquish the presidency but is negotiating safeguards to maintain autonomy over the promotion of senior officers. This reflects underlying tensions within the party regarding the balance of power.

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power Model

Supporters of the merger argue that it would streamline governance and enhance Lam's authority to implement economic reforms, aligning Vietnam with other communist nations like China, North Korea, Cuba, and Laos, where a single leader holds both titles. However, critics express concerns about Lam's expanding influence, viewing him as a risk-taker who has already increased the powers of the security apparatus.

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power Model

The congress will elect around 200 members to the new Central Committee, which will then select the Politburo, expected to consist of 17 to 19 members. This body will nominate candidates for the presidency, prime minister, and parliamentary speaker, whose appointments require confirmation by lawmakers. The outcome of these elections will not only determine Lam's potential consolidation of power but also signal Vietnam's willingness to shift towards a more centralized governance model.

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power ModelThe Straits TimesHow Vietnam’s Five-Year Communist Party Congress Chooses the Country’s Next Leaders

Vietnam is navigating significant economic challenges, including high U.S. tariffs on exports and ambitious GDP growth targets of at least 10% for the 2026–2030 period. Lam's leadership has emphasized the importance of the private sector while maintaining a strategic role for the state. The congress will be crucial in shaping Vietnam's economic policies and governance structure amid these pressures.

How Vietnam’s Five-Year Communist Party Congress Chooses the Country’s Next LeadersVietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power Model

The upcoming congress represents a critical juncture for Vietnam, balancing the desire for stability and collective leadership against the pressures for stronger, centralized authority. While Lam's bid for dual roles may offer decisiveness in governance, it also raises questions about the future of Vietnam's political structure and the potential risks of concentrating power. The decisions made during this congress will significantly influence Vietnam's trajectory in both domestic and international arenas.

How Vietnam’s Five-Year Communist Party Congress Chooses the Country’s Next Leaders

• “the natural outcome of streamlining Vietnam’s political structure” — Professor Carl Thayer, Senior Expert, Australian Defence Force Academy

The Straits Times

• “Personal Analysis Lam’s bid reflects a broader trend in Vietnam toward centralisation at a time of economic uncertainty and geopolitical competition.” — Analysis from Modern Diplomacy

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power Model

• “The outcome of this congress will therefore not only determine Lam’s personal power but also signal whether Vietnam is willing to trade collective leadership for a more personalised, China-style model of governance.” — Analysis from Modern Diplomacy

Vietnam Party Chief Lam Seeks Dual Role in Shift Toward China-Style Power Model