Vietnam appointed three new deputy prime ministers on Monday, the latest high-level leadership shift during a difficult moment for the ruling Communist Party.
Political upheaval was uncommon in Vietnam for decades, where all changes were carefully handled with a focus on cautious stability.
However, since 2021, several high-ranking officials, including two presidents and three deputy prime ministers, have been arrested as part of a widespread anti-graft campaign.
Following the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, President To Lam was appointed general secretary, Vietnam’s top leader, earlier this month.
Trong, the most powerful man in decades, spearheaded the “blazing furnace” anti-corruption campaign.
Vietnam’s four-pillar leadership structure consists of the general secretary, president, prime minister, and head of the National Assembly.
On Monday, the rubber-stamp parliament met in Hanoi for its seventh “extraordinary” session, appointing a new top judge and prosecutor, three new deputy prime ministers, and two new ministers.
Only one of the departed politicians was explicitly associated with the anti-corruption effort.
Former deputy prime minister Le Minh Khai was fired on Monday for breaking party procedures and the law.
The administration now includes five deputy prime ministers.
Thousands of people, including high officials and prominent business figures, have been caught up in the anti-corruption campaign, which Lam has promised to hurry up.