Vietnam: To Lam Elected President, Le Minh Hung Prime Minister
Why in the news
On 7 April 2026 Vietnam’s National Assembly chose its new head of state and head of government, with one person holding both the top Party post and the presidency.
Key facts
- President: Tô Lâm, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, won every vote cast by the 495 deputies present in the 500-seat Assembly.
- Term: 2026-2031.
- Prime Minister: Lê Minh Hưng also received 495 of 495 votes, replacing Phạm Minh Chính.
- Hưng was Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam from April 2016 to October 2020, and at 46 was among its youngest governors.
About the posts
Vietnam is a one-party state led by the Communist Party. Traditionally the posts of Party General Secretary and State President were held by different people, so combining them in one person is seen as a notable shift in the governance structure. The Prime Minister heads the government, while the President is head of state. One reference source lists Tô Lâm as replacing Lương Cường in the presidency.
Exam angle
- Remember the pairing: Tô Lâm (President and General Secretary) and Lê Minh Hưng (Prime Minister).
- Hưng’s earlier job as central bank governor makes him a likely banking-exam question.
- Note the 2026-2031 term and the 495/495 vote.
- Check the post-holder lists of neighbouring countries in international affairs.