Vietnam’s To Lam tightens grip as growth push reshapes leadership
Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam was reelected and is expected to become president, signaling a consolidation of power that could accelerate decisions and reforms. He’s pushing a high-growth strategy targeting 10%+ annual growth from 2026–2030 centered on expanding the private sector and higher-value industries, while maintaining party discipline. The move raises concerns about checks and human rights as the state expands security influence and reshapes the economy; challenges include aging demographics, climate risk, weak institutions, and U.S. trade pressures.
