January 19, 2023, Vietnam: Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc quit after the ruling Communist Party blamed him for violations and wrongdoing by officers under his command. The government of the country said this on Tuesday, in a major escalation of the country’s anti-graft campaign.
He is the highest-ranking official targeted by the party’s comprehensive corruption crackdown. Phuc, the former prime minister widely credited with reviving pro-business reforms who held the mostly formal post of president since 2021. Vietnam has no major ruler and is officially led by four posts: the prime minister, the party’s secretary, the president, and the house speaker.
The government said that Nguyen Xuan Phuc was ultimately responsible for violations committed by many officers, including two deputy prime ministers and three ministers. Fully aware of his responsibilities before the party and people, he submitted an application to leave his assigned positions, quit his job, and retire, it said in a statement.
Vietnam has been rife with the belief he would be removed following January’s discharge of two deputy prime ministers who served under him. As the party folds down on an anti-corruption drive ‘blazing furnace’ led by its powerful long-serving chief, Nguyen Phu Trong.
The previous year, 539 party members were prosecuted for corruption and planned wrongdoings, including ministers, top officials, and diplomats, according to the party. While police officials investigated 453 corruption cases, up 50% from 2021. Trong earlier this month said the party was more determined, effective, and methodical in its course, and promised to deliver outcomes.
Phuc, who is known in Vietnam for his friendly practice and love for the national soccer team, was once listed as a future party General Secretary which is the state’s most prestigious position.
From 2016 to 2021, as prime minister, he oversaw an average of 6% annual economic growth for Asia’s burgeoning manufacturing powerhouse. He also helped further a liberalization drive that included trade deals with the Pacific powers and European Union. Despite his downfall, the government praised his achievements on Tuesday, 17 January 2023.
