HANOI – In a widely anticipated move that solidifies his grip on power, Tô Lâm was unanimously re-elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) on January 23, 2026. The 14th National Party Congress, held in Hanoi, saw all 180 members of the newly formed Central Committee vote to keep the 68-year-old leader at the helm for the next five years.
A New Era of Concentration
The re-election marks a significant milestone in Vietnamese politics. Traditionally known for its "four pillars" system of collective leadership, Vietnam appears to be moving toward a more centralized model under Lâm. Analysts suggest he may soon seek to reclaim the Presidency, potentially mirroring the governance style of neighboring China.
"Your re-election is testament to the trust and confidence that the Party and people of Vietnam place in your leadership." — Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, in a congratulatory message.
Economic Ambition: The "10% Target"
During the congress, Lâm laid out a bold vision for Vietnam's future, pledging to transition the country into a high-middle-income economy by 2030. Key highlights of his platform include:
Double-Digit Growth: A target of 10% annual GDP growth through the decade, far exceeding World Bank projections of 6.5%.
Administrative Reform: Continuation of a massive overhaul that has already seen the cutting of 150,000 public-sector jobs to reduce red tape.
Private Sector Push: A shift away from a model reliant on cheap labor and toward innovation, technology, and a stronger private sector.
The New Leadership Hierarchy
The Congress also appointed the 19-member Politburo, the highest decision-making body in the country.
| Position | Official | Notes |
| General Secretary | Tô Lâm | Most powerful position in the one-party state. |
| Permanent Member of the Secretariat | Trần Cẩm Tú | Oversees day-to-day party operations. |
| National Assembly Chairman | Trần Thanh Mẫn | Key legislative leader. |
| Defense Minister | Phan Văn Giang | Widely considered the second-most powerful figure. |
Global Implications
The results have been met with swift international recognition. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the first to send congratulations, emphasizing Vietnam’s role as a "community with a shared future."
For foreign investors, Lâm’s re-election signals political stability and a continuation of the "Blazing Furnace" anti-corruption campaign he led as security chief. However, his rapid reforms have also stirred some internal discontent, particularly among the conservative military factions wary of his pragmatic, pro-business approach.
As Vietnam enters this "new era," the world will be watching to see if Lâm can balance his ambitious economic targets with the traditional socialist discipline of the CPV.
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