Vietnamese president meets with Korean business leaders
Korea HeraldAPR 2023
Phuc, a pro-business political leader, was once tipped as a future CPV general secretary. His achievements — particularly his pandemic response — were unparalleled. His unceremonious resignation could pave the way for more authoritarian leaders to rise, cause radical policy changes, unnerve foreign investors, and adversely impact international ties.
Phuc's tenure may have brought great benefits to Vietnam, but as the head of government, he ultimately bears responsibility for allowing those under him to commit wrongdoings. He will be remembered for the good he did, but his resignation was the only path forward given the circumstances.
Phuc's resignation indicates a power struggle at the top of the party. The CPV is entrenched in paranoia as it looks to crack down on dissent through the disputable anti-corruption drive. The possibility of the party general secretary — Phuc's political rival — removing the president to clear his way to the top and concentrate more power cannot be ruled out.