On the eve of the 14th National Congress of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) – scheduled to take place in early 2026, the personnel matter is becoming the center of attention.
With major changes in the 13th Plenum of the CPV’s Central Committee, public opinion and observers are particularly interested in how the party will shape its power apparatus in the new period after the 14th National Congress.
This is not only the process of arranging a new leadership team, but also a political „brainstorming“ on the issue of arranging key and high-level personnel – the content considered „key of the key.“
According to the results of the 13th Plenum, the Central Committee has „agreed to introduce personnel for the 14th Central Committee and Central Inspection Commission.”
Although the specific list is classified as confidential, many internal sources said that the personnel structure this time has changed significantly, with the appearance of a number of new faces and the removal of key figures who had committed violations or failed to maintain their political positions.
After the 13th National Congress in 2021, starting with 200 Central Committee members, there are now only 163 members left. This is an unprecedented number in the history of the Communist Party of Vietnam from previous terms.
Most of this change comes from the conclusions and recommendations of the Central Inspection Commission, the agency under the direction of Politburo member Nguyen Duy Ngoc, and is likened by General Secretary To Lam as „the sword that maintains Party discipline.“
From here, many major cases related to high-ranking officials have been „thoroughly“ handled by Ngoc, creating a strong effect in the organization and arrangement of high-ranking personnel for the period before the Party National Congress.
However, the current political atmosphere has also shown surprising signs. On forums and social networks, information has emerged that within the Politburo, the level of support for Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang – – is significantly higher than that of General Secretary To Lam.
Unofficial sources say that out of a total of 16 Politburo members, only about six have shown clear support for To Lam, equivalent to 35%, while the rest lean in another direction or remain neutral.
Although the above-mentioned rumors have not been verified, public opinion believes that these numbers partly reflect the division within the Party’s leadership.
Observers believe that, after succeeding to the position of General Secretary, To Lam is facing a major challenge in consolidating the Party’s internal power.
Especially in the context of the Army generals in the Defense Ministry and other influential groups increasingly showing their role more clearly than ever.
The 14th National Congress is about to take place, and is predicted to be a race between power centers, not only in terms of personnel but also in terms of vision for stability and national development.
The caution in the preparation work, along with recent signs of transfer and exchange of „key“ positions, shows that the chessboard has been set up, and is being „played“ step by step according to strict calculations at the political upper level.
The big question at the moment is whether General Secretary To Lam and the police faction have enough time and support to shape a personnel apparatus to his willing, or will the situation change when other „pieces“ of power gradually appear?
The 14th National Congress is still nearly 3 months away, but the heat from the personnel chessboard has covered the entire political arena.
The rise of General Phan Van Giang, how will it deeply affect the power chessboard of General Secretary To Lam, until now there is no official answer? Let’s wait and see!
Tra My – Thoibao.de
