Tô Lâm

Rule Changes

Presided over the signing ceremony in Hanoi

Vietnam and the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states signed a free trade agreement in Hanoi on October 18, ending 14 years of talks. The pact covers goods, services, investment, intellectual property and digital trade. Both sides aim for it to take effect in early 2027, and Vietnam's trade ministry says it will send the agreement for government approval and issue an implementation plan.

Updated Oct 28

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Unanimously reelected as General Secretary at 14th Party Congress, January 2026

Since 1976 Vietnam's Communist Party has split power among four pillars: party general secretary, state president, prime minister, and National Assembly chairman—but on March 15, 2026, nearly 73.5 million voters elected 500 members of the 16th National Assembly from 864 candidates (93 percent Communist Party) to shift that structure. In April the legislature will appoint To Lam, the former security chief, to lead both party and state, a choice made at January's Party Congress.

Updated May 30

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Re-elected General Secretary for full 5-year term (2026-2031); expected to assume presidency at National Assembly session in April 2026

Vietnam's 14th Party Congress concluded January 23, 2026, unanimously re-electing Tô Lâm as General Secretary with all 180 Central Committee votes. A merger of party chief and state presidency (which would make Lâm Vietnam's most powerful leader since Hồ Chí Minh) was not finalized.

Updated May 22