As the political clock is counting down to the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the internal power restructuring has entered a fierce stage. Notably, General Secretary To Lam has made calculated moves in terms of personnel and behind-the-scenes strategy.
After holding the position of acting General Secretary since mid-2024, the former police chief has not stopped at reaffirming the leading role of the police forces. At this time, Lam is also implementing a personnel strategy called “deploying troops” to ensure absolute power after the congress.
One of the clearest signs is that Lam has put his confidants and fellow Hung Yeners in command positions of police in the most important cities of the country.
For example, in Hanoi, Lieutenant General Nguyen Thanh Tung was appointed as Director of Hanoi Police Department since late 2023. Tung is said to be an experienced officer and has a close relationship with the party chief.
Similarly, in Ho Chi Minh City, in June 2025, Major General Mai Hoang, an officer from the Criminal Police Department, from Hung Yen, was given the position of Director of the Police Department of the largest city in the country.
According to insiders, with his experienced professional capacity and the process of being supported by Lam since his time as Deputy Minister of Public Security, Gen. Mai Hoang receiving the above decision is not surprising.
These are strategic steps to ensure that all political and social developments, even the most sensitive issues in the country, are under the close supervision of police- a force loyal to Lam.
Not simply mobilizing or appointing personnel, Lam’s strategy also shows the sophistication in “planting” confidants to become high-ranking “insiders” in power centers, even in opposing factions.
For example, the case of former Hanoi Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung, who was once considered a political star. But Chung was overthrown after having continuous unfavorable information for then Minister of Public Security To Lam.
According to insiders, former Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Duy Ngoc, at that time is a very close person to Lam, played the role of “insider” to collect and control information to punish Chung.
Now, Major General Mai Hoang is considered a second “Nguyen Duy Ngoc” planted in Ho Chi Minh City. In the context, when figures such as Nguyen Thanh Nghi, son of former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, or former State President Truong Tan Sang still have significant influence in this area.
In addition to controlling police, Lam is also gradually consolidating his forces in the Army and the party’s Central Committee, to gradually create influence with the Army faction and the Politburo in the next term.
According to observers, if Lam controls both police and army, and key personnel in the two largest cities in the country, he can maintain the profound influence of the Central Committee in the 14th term.
However, Lam’s strategy of concentrating power will not be without risks. The “Hung Yenization” of the upper political apparatus can create a “counter-reaction” mentality from other factions within the ruling party, especially from localities such as Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, or “conservative” pro-China political groups, or the Army faction that has a tradition of independence within the Party.
In addition, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh – who has recently shown more determination, will create more counterweight in the power race.
If some within the party feel that power is being concentrated too much in the hands of Lam and the Ministry of Public Security, then the possibility of a “rectification” from the military faction at the 14th National Congress cannot be ruled out.
Tra My – Thoibao.de
