Vietnam’s Politburo disciplines former parliament chairman

Vietnam’s Politburo has disciplined former National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue for violations in office, the Tuoi Tre news site reported on Friday.

The Communist Party’s top body ruled that Hue violated party and state regulations, particularly in the “blazing furnace” fight against corruption and failed to set an example while head of parliament, as a Politburo member, and as secretary of the National Assembly’s party unit.

The Politburo also sanctioned former Transport Minister Nguyen Van The for violations in office. It said former President Vo Van Thuong was also at fault but wouldn’t be disciplined while undergoing medical treatment. Thuong was forced to step down as president in March. Hue was made to resign the National Assembly chairmanship in May. The stepped down as transport minister in Oct. 2022.

Some political analysts argue that the “blazing furnace,” spearheaded by former Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong – and taken up by his successor, To Lam, on Trong’s death on July 19 – is a way for Vietnam’s top leader to get rid of potential competitors.

The general secretary is considered the most powerful of the “four pillars” which include the president, prime minister and parliament chairperson.

Lam filled a dual role as general secretary and president until Luong Cuong became president on Oct. 21. Cuong is seen by some analysts as a “place filler” president ahead of the 2026 National Congress, which selects Politburo members, effectively deciding who will be elected to the four top government positions.

Edited by Mike Firn.

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